f 


LIFE  AND  RELIGIOUS  LABOURS 


OF 

y 

RICHARD  JORDAN, 


A  MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL 


IN  THE 


Late  of  Newton,  in  Gloucester  County,  New  Jersey. 


And  they  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firma- 
ment, and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness,  as  the  stars  for- 
ever and  ever. — Daniel,  xii.  3. 


Printed  and  Published  by 
THOMAS  KITE— 64  WALNUT  STREET. 


1829. 


Digitized  by 

tile  Internet  Arcliive 

in  2015 

littps://arcliive.org/details/journalofliferelOOjord_0 


TESTIMONY 

OF 

HADDONFIELD  MONTHLY  MEETING 

CONCERmNG  OUR  BELOVED  FKIEND 

RICHARD  JORDAN, 


It  appears  from  memorandums  which  he  has  Iclt, 
that  his  parents,  Joseph  and  Patience  Jordan,  were 
members  of  our  rehgious  society.  His  father  being  much 
from  home  on  business,  and  his  mother  dying  whilst  he 
was  quite  young,  his  education  was  so  far  neglected, 
that  he  was  but  a  few  times  at  a  rehgious  meeting  of 
Friends,  until  he  was  twelve  years  old.  But  the  watch- 
ful care  and  unspeakable  mercy  of  the  Lord,  was  mani- 
fested in  the  tendering  visitations  of  his  holy  spirit,  ex- 
citing awful  impressions  on  his  mind  respecting  a  future 
stale,  and  raising  at  times  fervent  desires  after  an  inhe- 
ritance among  the  spirits  of  the  sanctified  in  heaven, 
when  time  to  him  should  be  no  longer.  But  not  keep- 
ing close  to  this  religious  exercise,  the  tendering  sense 
of  divine  goodness  became  much  effaced,  his  mind  alien- 
ated from  the  source  of  all  true  comfort,  and  his  feet 
with  avidity  were  tracing  the  paths  of  temptation  and 
lying  vanities.    In  this  condition  it  pleased  the  Shep- 


4 


TESTIMONY. 


herd  of  Israel  renewedly  to  bring  him  under  a  deep 
sense  of  judgment  and  condemnation  for  sin ;  and  as 
he  patiently  and  humbly  abode  under  this  refining  bap- 
tism, though  at  times  tempted  to  give  up  all  hope  of 
ever  attaining  to  a  state  of  acceptance  and  peace,  he 
was,  through  great  mercy,  enabled  to  surrender  himself 
into  the  hands  of  his  all-sufficient  Redeemer,  and 
brought  into  a  living  and  heartfelt  experience  of  recon- 
ciliation to  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Being  married  and  settled  in  North  Carolina,  and 
having  passed  through  many  deep  and  various  baptisms, 
with  an  awful  impression  that  he  was  called  to  the  min- 
istry, and  at  times  a  sensible  feeling  of  the  divine  hand 
putting  him  forth  therein,  which  he  strove  to  avoid  ;  he 
was,  in  the  twenty-fifth  year  of  his  age,  enabled  to  re- 
sign himself  to  the  disposal  of  the  blessed  Head  of  the 
church,  and  strengthened  to  express  a  few  words  in  a 
small  meeting  of  Friends,  •which  yielded  indescribable 
peace  to  his  hitherto  oppressed  and  afflicted  soul.  His 
appearances  in  the  ministry  were  for  a  long  time  small, 
and  not  frequent,  his  mind  being  covered  with  a  fear 
and  dread  lest  he  should  shoot  out  into  branches, 
and  not  truly  know  an  establishment  in  the  root  of  im- 
mortal life.  He  kept  much  at  home,  except  attending 
his  own  yearly  meeting,  and  some  neighbouring  meet- 
ings in  Virginia,  and  also  travelling  on  foot  in  religious 
visits  to  some  places  in  North  Carolina.  Being  faithful 
in  tiie  little,  his  qualification  for  further  services  became 
enlarged,  and  feeling  a  religious  concern  to  visit  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  the  northern  and  eastern  states, 
he  opened  the  same  to  his  friends,  and  in  the  third 
month,  1797,  obtained  certificates  of  their  unity,  from 
the  monthly  and  quarterly  meetings  of  which  he  was  a 
member.    His  visit  to  those  parts  was  attended  with 


TESTIMONY. 


the  savour  of  divine  life,  and  as  a  messenger  of  Christ  his 
fervent  labours  in  the  ministry  were  made  effectual  to 
the  quickening  of  many  minds,  and  to  the  real  edifica- 
tion of  the  church.  Some  time  after  his  return  from 
this  journey,  his  mind  being  often  greatly  reduced  and 
humbled,  a  prospect  of  extensive  religious  service  in 
foreign  parts  was  weightily  spread  before  him,  which, 
through  holy  help,  he  was  enabled  to  give  up  to ;  and 
in  the  second  month,  1800,  after  receiving  the  requisite 
certificates,  he  left  his  residence  with  a  humbling  sense 
of  the  Lord's  hand  upon  him  ;  and  soon  after,  embark- 
ed at  New  York  in  a  vessel  bound  for  England.  Being 
strengthened  to  complete  his  visit  with  much  accept- 
ance and  in  the  unity  of  his  friends,  to  most  of  the 
meetings  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  also  to  seve- 
ral parts  of  the  continent  of  Europe,  where  he  experi- 
enced many  remarkable  preservations,  and  signal  inter- 
positions of  Divine  Providence,  he  returned  to  America 
in  the  tenth  month,  1802.  After  the  lapse  of  several 
months,  believing  himself  called  upon  to  reside  some 
time  in  Connecticut,  he  removed  with  his  family  to 
Hartford,  in  that  state,  it\  the  year  1804.  Whilst  an  in- 
habitant there,  he  paid  several  religious  visits  to  distant 
meetings;  and  in  1809,  being  satisfied  that  it  would  be 
right  for  him  to  leave  those  parts,  and  again  change  his 
residence,  he  spread  the  same  before  his  friends,  who 
after  due  deliberation,  signified  their  unity  with  his  pros- 
pect, and  he  accordingly  came  and  settled  within  the 
limits  of  this  monthly  meeting.  His  time  for  several 
years  was  much  occupied  in  attending  to  the  services 
of  our  religious  society,  and  in  performing  some  religi- 
ous visits.  In  the  management  of  his  temporal  affairs, 
he  was  remarkably  cautious  of  entering  into  engage^ 
ments  or  contracting  debts,  lest  through  any  unforeseen 
A  2 


TESTIMONY. 


occurrence,  an  honourable  and  punctual  discharge  of 
them  might  bs  improperly  delayed  or  prevented,  and  a 
blemish  be  thereby  brought  upon  the  cause  of  Truth, 
which  to  him  was  more  precious  than  any  earthly  pos- 
session :  this  guarded  circumspection  was  so  strictly 
maintained,  that,  making  his  wants  few,  he  rarely  had 
any  unsettled  accounts  on  hand. 

Being  devoted  to  the  service  of  his  heavenly  Master, 
he  was  made  an  able  minister  of  the  gospel ;  and  though 
at  times,  in  the  beginning  of  his  communications,  he 
might  seem  to  the  superficial  observer,  to  move  on  in 
weakness,  yet  to  the  truly  gathered  spirits  he  was  felt 
to  be  exercised  in  watchful  care  not  to  proceed  faster 
or  further,  than  as  the  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep  was 
pleased  to  lead  along,  in  the  openings  of  the  divine  gift. 
His  reverent  humble  waiting,  and  deep  exercise  of  spi- 
rit, in  his  silent  sitting  in  our  meetings,  was  instructive 
and  at  times  had  a  reaching  etTect  upon  the  minds  of 
those  around  him  ;  and  when  put  forth  to  speak  to  the 
people,  it  was  not  with  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom, 
but  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of  power;  bap- 
tizing the  audience,  and  clearly  opening  to  individuals 
their  states  and  conditions,  showing  with  indubitable  cer- 
tainty, that  the  pathway  of  peace  and  salvation  was 
through  the  effectual  operation  of  the  Cross  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

In  the  third  month,  1 825,  he  met  with  a  close  trial  in 
the  death  of  his  beloved  wife,  which  he  bore  with  ex- 
emplary resignation. 

In  the  eighth  month,  1826,  returning  from  a  visit  to 
Salem  quarterly  meeting,  held  at  Woodbury,  and  con- 
versing with  a  friend  in  allusion  to  a  visit  he  had  lately 
made  to  Friends  in  Philadelphia,  he  expressed  the  great 
peace  and  satisfaction  he  felt  in  recurring  to  it,  and  em- 


TrSTIMONY. 


7 


phatically  said  that  it  would  be  his  last  visit ;  and  ap- 
peared settled  in  the  conviction  that  the  happy  period 
of  his  release  from  the  trials  of  time  was  near  at  hand. 
In  a  few  days  after  this,  he  was  taken  unwell ;  and  in 
this  his  last  illness,  which  continued  about  two  months, 
he  had  much  conversation  with  several  of  his  dear  and 
intimate  friends,  upon  the  present  state  of  our  religious 
society,  earnestly  declaring  as  his  belief,  that  all  those 
who  were  led  by  the  spirit  of  truth,  would  feel  them- 
selves constrained  to  acknowledge  all  that  is  recorded 
in  the  holy  scriptures,  concerning  the  coming,  the  suf- 
ferings, and  offices  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  as  he  appeared  in  the  flesh  at  Jerusalem.  He 
several  times  declared  as  his  firm  conviction  at  that  aw- 
ful period,  that  however  painful  the  present  state  of 
things  was  to  the  sincere  followers  of  the  Ijamb,  yet  he 
fully  believed  it  would  be  made  the  means  of  purifying 
the  Society  of  much  of  its  dross,  and  that  such  as  stood 
faithful  in  their  allegiance  to  Christ,  would  be  deepen- 
ed by  it  in  the  life  of  religion.  He  had  seen  (he  said) 
that  the  Lord  would  take  the  cause  into  his  own  hand, 
and  none  should  be  able  to  hinder  him  :  that  those  of 
this  society,  who  had  been  highly  favoured,  but  who 
had  turned  their  backs  and  forsaken  Him,  would  be  cast 
out,  and  others  brought  in,  who  would  stand  for  the 
honour  of  his  great  name,  and  for  his  cause  in  the  earth. 
On  the  16th  of  the  ninth  month,  a  friend  calling  to  see 
him,  he  intimated  that  he  thought  his  recovery  very 
doubtful,  considering  his  age,  and  the  great  prostration 
of  his  strength  ;  but  he  several  times  remarked,  that 
he  hud  110  will  but  the  Lordfs  v)ill.  He  expressed  with 
much  feeling  and  deep  sorrow,  his  concern  for  those, 
who,  by  giving  way  to  their creaturely  wisdom  and  car- 
nal reasoning,  have  departed  from  the  Christian  faith. 


8 


TESTIMONY. 


With  much  emphasis  he  said,  "  Oh,  what  will  those 
men  do,  that  deny  the  divinity  of  our  Lord  and  Savi- 
our Jesus  Christ !  what  refuge  will  they  have  at  such  a 
time  as  this  ;  on  a  sick  bed — O,  what  will  become  of 
them  !" — Once  he  said,  "  I  would  not  be  in  their  state 
for  any  thing  in  the  world."  He  intimated  that  during 
this  sickness,  he  had  had  much  opportunity  for  reflec- 
tion, both  by  day  and  by  night,  and  he  had  thought  much 
upon  the  awful  state  of  those  people  that  deny  the  Lord, 
and  the  only  hope  of  salvation,  which,  added  he,  is  by 
the  mercy  of  God,  through  the  merits  and  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Then  he  said  with  much  em- 
phasis, "  My  hope,  my  only  hope  for  salvation,  is  in 
the  mercy  of  God,  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ 
these,  or  words  nearly  similar,  he  repeated  several 
times  during  the  course  of  the  conversation.  He  en- 
larged very  instructively  on  the  ground  of  this  his  hope, 
and  the  great  stay  and  comfort  it  was  to  his  mind  : — 
"  Oh,"  said  he,  "  I  would  not  give  this  hope  in  the  mer- 
cy of  God,  through  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  whole  world." 
He  then  proceeded  to  relate,  how,  during  that  illness, 
many  scripture  passages,  both  out  of  the  old  and  new 
testament,  had  been  unfolded  to  his  mind  with  great 
clearness  and  comfort,  respecting  the  plan  devised  by 
divine  love  for  the  restoration  of  poor  fallen  man,  and 
the  salvation  of  sinners. — After  setting  forth  (he  fall  of 
man,  through  the  temptation  and  subtlety  of  satan,  and 
his  aspiring  above  the  station  appointed  him  by  divine 
wisdom,  he  proceeded  to  open  some  of  those  passages, 
beginning  with  the  promise  of  the  seed  of  the  woman, 
that  should  bruise  the  head  of  the  serpent;  and  enlarg- 
ed upon  many  scripture  testimonies  shewing  that  thii' 
Seed  is  Christ ;  even  He  who  died  for  our  sins  on  the 
cross,  and  who  is  a  propitiatory  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of 


TESTIMONY. 


9 


(he  whole  world,  an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  and 
Mediator  between  God  and  man.  He  enlarged  upon 
what  faith  in  God,  and  in  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  had  done  in  every  generation  ;  then  emphatical- 
ly said,  "  This  is  also  my  faith,  and  I  shall  die  in  it,  as 
1  have  lived,  hoping  in  God's  mercy,  through  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ." 

On  the  18th  of  the  month,  being  alone  with  a  friend, 
he  entered  into  conversation  on  the  present  state  of  so- 
ciety, and  remarked,  that  there  were  many  under  our 
name,  who  had  made  a  mere  profession,  but  had  never 
been  convinced  of,  nor  yielded  obedience  to,  the  prin- 
ciples and  doctrines  of  Friends,  and  it  was  no  marvel 
if  such  were  carried  off  with  unsound  notions.  He 
said,  he  believed  it  had  been  permitted,  in  order  to 
manifest  such  as  these,  but  he  was  firm  in  the  faith, 
that  the  ancient  doctrines  and  principles  of  the  society, 
as  set  forth  in  the  scriptures,  would  prevail ;  and  all 
those  who  were  building  on  Jesus  Christ,  would  be  pre- 
served, amid  all  the  storms  and  commotions  that  now 
agitated  the  society  ;  and  it  would  yet  arise  and  shine 
in  more  of  its  ancient  beauty  than  many  now  living  have 
ever  seen  it ;  adding,  "  I  may  not  live  to  see  it,  but 
there  are  some  of  you  that  will," — He  remarked  to  a 
friend  who  called  to  see  him ;  "  It  is  a  satisfaction  to 
reflect  that  my  outward  concerns  are  all  settled." — Af- 
ter a  solemn  pause  he  added,  "  I  know  that  I  am  a  poor 
creature,  and  have  nothing  to  depend  on  but  the  mercy 
of  a  gracious  God,  through  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord.  Oh, 
these  poor  things  that  are  trying  to  do  away  all  belief 
in  the  authenticity  of  the  scriptures,  and  in  a  Saviour, 
what  will  become  of  them  !  No  other  foundation  can 
any  man  lay  than  that  which  is  laid." — His  bodily  suf- 
ferings were  at  times  great,  but  he  was  preserved 


10 


TESTIMONY. 


in  patience  and  resignation  to  the  divine  will ;  and 
several  times  he  ejaculated  with  much  earnestness, 
"  Oh,  blessed  Saviour ! — Oh  Lord  Jesus  help  me," — 
evincing  that  his  dependance  was  placed  upon  the  Phy- 
sician of  value, 

A  few  days  before  his  decease,  he  remarked  to  a 
friend,  that  the  crisis  had  not  been  shovi'n  to  him,  when 
he  should  be  taken ;  but  from  the  way  he  felt,  he 
thought  it  could  not  be  much  longer.  The  friend  inti- 
mating that  she  supposed  he  thought  he  should  not  re- 
cover, he  answered,  "  I  leave  it  all  to  him  who  knows 
how  to  order  all  things  for  the  best.  1  have  no  desire 
but  that  his  blessed  will  may  be  done." 

On  sixth  day,  the  1 3th  of  tenth  month,  he  became 
much  worse,  and  about  three  o'clock  on  seventh-day 
morning,  the  approaching  change  was  apparent. — He 
was  in  much  suffering  until  about  ten  o'clock,  when  the 
conflict  seemed  to  be  nearly  over ;  and  breathing  short- 
er and  shorter,  he  quietly  and  calmly  departed,  about  a 
quarter  after  eleven  o'clock,  that  forenoon,  in  the  se- 
ventieth year  of  his  age,  being  a  minister  about  forty- 
five  years. 

Read  and  approved  at  an  adjourned  Monthly  Meeting 
of  men  and  women  Friends,  held  at  Haddonfield 
New  Jersey,  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  third  month, 
1827,  and  directed  to  be  signed  by  the  clerks  of  the 
respective  meetings,  and  forwarded  to  the  Quarterly 
meeting. 

JOHN  M.  KAIGHN, 
SARAH  CLEMENT, 

Clerks. 


TESTIMONY. 


Read  and  approved  in  Haddonfield  Quarterly  meet- 
ing, held  third  month  fifteenth,  1827,  and  directed  to 
he  signed  and  forwarded  to  the  Meeting  for  SufTer. 
ings. 

DAVID  ROBERTS, 

Clerk. 


JOURNAL 

OP 

RICHARD  JORDAN. 


IT  has  been  much  upon  my  mind,  of  late,  to  throw 
together  some  short  memorandums  of  sundry  occur- 
rences which  have  happened  to  me,  and  also  of  the  gra- 
cious and  merciful  dealings  of  a  watchful  Providence  ; 
through  whose  mercy  and  superintending  care  over  me, 
from  my  childhood,  I  have  experienced  many  preserva- 
tions and  deliverances,  both  inwardly  and  outwardly, 
during  the  various  vicissitudes  which  have  attended  my 
pilgrimage  through  time ;  if  haply  they  may  afford  in- 
struction or  encouragement  to  any  Christian  traveller 
when  I  am  no  more. 

1  was  born  at  a  place  called  Elizabeth,  in  the  county 
of  Norfolk,  and  colony  of  Virginia,  the  nineteenth  day 
of  the  twelfth  month,  1756,  of  honest  parents,  whose 
names  were  Joseph  and  Patience  Jordan.  They  were 
both  in  profession  with  the  people  called  Quakers,  and 
endeavoured  to  train  up  their  children  in  the  principles 
which  they  themselves  professed  ;  but  my  mother  dy- 
ing soon  after  the  birth  of  her  seventh  child,  and  I  be- 
B 


14 


JOURNAL  OF 


[17C8. 


ing  the  youngest  but  one  of  the  surviving  six,  have  but 
a  faint  remembrance  of  her.  My  father  was  at  times 
much  from  home  in  the  course  of  his  business,  and  there 
being  no  religious  meeting  near  us,  we  were  left  expos- 
ed, without  a  friend  to  associate  with  ;  and  T  think  I  ne- 
ver was  at  the  Friends'  meeting  house  more  than  twice, 
during  our  stay  in  that  part  of  the  country,  which  was 
until  I  was  about  twelve  years  of  age.  About  this  time, 
iny  eldest  brother,  who  had  been  some  stay  to  us,  died  ; 
and  soon  after  my  father  removed  with  the  rest  of  the 
family  to  North  Carolina,  (a  short  time  previous  to  the 
American  revolution,)  and  we  became  members  of  the 
meeting  of  Friends  at  Richsquare,  which  was  about  six 
miles  from  our  residence. 

During  all  this  time,  and  for  several  years  after,  no- 
thing very  remarkable  respecting  myself,  occurred,  only 
that  1  remember  I  was  early  visited  by  something,  that 
impressed  my  mind  with  a  sense  and  belief  in  a  state  of 
future  rewards  and  punishments.  I  had  heard  much 
talk  about  a  heaven  and  a  hell,  but  the  impressions  1 
now  felt  were  different  from  those  produced  by  this 
kind  of  talk  ;  for  I  was  made  to  feel  something  of  their 
power,  and  from  that  time  was  sensible  of  great  disqui- 
etude and  distress  of  mind,  when  1  had  been  guilty  of 
using  bad  words  or  actions  in  my  play,  or  at  other 
times  ;  and  I  was  also  sensible  of  calmness  and  peace  of 
mind,  when  I  had  been  more  watchful  over  my  conduct, 
i  saw  then  that  this  state  of  mind  was  greatly  to  be  de- 
sired, but  alas  for  (he  poor  fallen  nature  which  Adam's 
children  are  clothed  with  ;  what  proneness  to  evil  ra- 
ther than  to  good  !  Notwithstanding  1  was  often  chas- 
tised in  spirit  for  my  misconduct,  insomuch  that  I  cried 
and  promised  amendment,  yet  when  these  stripes  were 
withheld,  how  did  I  run  again  into  the  same  excess  of 


1768-81.] 


RIOHABD  JOKDAN. 


15 


folly  and  dissipation  !  For  although  my  lot  was  now 
cast  more  amongst  Friends,  so  as  frequently  to  go  to 
their  meetings,  yet  many  of  the  children  and  youth 
amongst  them,  who  became  our  associates,  were  worse 
than  many  of  my  former  companions,  whose  parents 
made  no  profession  with  Friends,  so  that  1  beheve  I  ar- 
rived at  a  higher  pitch  of  folly  and  dissipation  in  a  few 
years  among  them,  than  I  had  ever  done  before, — until 
that  day  at  length  came,  when,  blessed  be  God,  1  was 
made  to  see  that  I  was  undone.  The  axe  was  then  laid, 
indeed,  to  the  root  of  the  corrupt  tree,  and  that  which 
did  not  bring  forth  fruit  must  be  hewn  down  and  cast 
into  the  fire.  This  is  the  day  of  Christ ;  and  who  can 
abide  it !  But  if  a  separation  is  not  now  suflTered,  ac- 
cording to  the  doctrine  of  that  very  Christ  himself,  all 
must  be  cast  into  hell ; — alas,  who  can  bear  the  thought ! 
No, — 1  must  leave  my  companions  in  folly,  and  endea- 
vour to  submit  to  the  dispensation  of  a  separation  ; — but 
truly  it  was  a  day  never  to  be  forgotten,  wherein  my 
situation,  I  suppose,  resembled  that  of  Legion,  who  saw 
the  Redeemer  coming  towards  him  in  order  to  make  the 
separation,  and  cried  out,  Jesus  thou  Son  of  God,  most 
high,  art  thou  come  hither  to  torment  us  before  the 
time.  Ah !  it  seemed  verily  as  if  the  pains  and  tor- 
ments of  hell  had  laid  hold  on  me,  even  now  while  in 
the  body,  before  the  time  of  final  judgment  and  sentence 
was  come,  and  the  decree  sealed,  "  that  time  should  be 
no  longer."  Well  might  the  prophet  query,  to  what 
end  is  it  that  ye  desire  the  day  of  the  Lord,  seeing  it 
is  a  day  of  darkness  and  not  of  light,  even  very  dark, 
and  no  brightness  in  it.  Ah  !  sinner,  how  canst  thou 
abide  it— yet,  remember  that  this  is  only  parting  with  the 
ofiending  hand,  and  the  offending  eye,  and  is  it  not  bet- 
ter to  endure  the  pain  of  parting  with  these,  which  will 


16 


JOURNAL  OF 


[17G8-81. 


only  continue  for  a  time,  rather  than  to  be  cast,  bodily, 
that  is  with  all  thy  sins  and  multiplied  offences,  into  hell, 
"  where  the  worm  dieth  not  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched." 
How  can  I  bear  the  thought ;  and  yet,  how  can  I  abide 
the  conflict !  But  is  there  any  thing  new  under  the  sun  ? 
was  not  the  ministration  of  condemnation,  to  the  rebelli- 
ous sons  of  Israel,  a  day  ofterrible  burnings, and  theblack- 
ness  of  darkness,  and  of  mighty  thunders,  and  lightnings) 
and  the  sound  of  a  trumpet;  which  so  awakened  and 
wrought  upon  their  senses,  that  they  trembled  exceed- 
ingly and  durst  not  behold?  And  yet  they  soon  returned 
to  their  folly.  Oh,  how  could  they  so  soon  forget  what 
they  had  seen,  as  even  to  form  to  themselves  new  gods  ! 

But  in  the  day  of  Christ,  when  he  visits  and  brings 
under  the  ministration  of  condemnation  for  sin  ;  it  pe- 
netrates the  heart ;  it  stirs  the  powers  within,  and  is  not 
so  easily  eradicated  from  the  mind.  For  indeed,  such 
was  the  conflict  of  my  spirit  for  days,  and  weeks,  and 
months,  that  when  it  was  day  I  wished  for  night,  and 
when  it  was  night,  I  wished  for  day  ;  during  which  time 
the  enemy  of  my  soul  was  not  wanting  with  his  tempta- 
tions and  evil  suggestions,  insomuch  that  at  times  my 
mind  was  almost  constantly  assaulted  with  evil  thoughts, 
and  I  abhorred  myself,  until  I  thought  that  of  all  the 
creatures  which  God  had  made,  I  was  the  most  wretch- 
ed and  miserable :  and  when  I  had  no  faith  to  believe 
that  my  condition  would  be  better,  then  the  tempter  en- 
deavoured to  persuade  me  to  put  an  end  to  my  miser- 
able existence,  as  the  only  way  to  get  relieved  from  my 
pain,  sorrow,  and  distress.  1  had  so  far  given  way  to 
this  temptation  that  I  was  contemplating  in  what  man- 
ner I  should  effect  it  so  as  to  be  the  quickest  over,  and 
give  the  least  pain ;  when,  adored  be  the  ever  blessed 
Redeemer,  I  was  brought  so  near  to  Him,  as  to  cast 


1768-81.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


17 


mjself  down  at  his  feet,  and  the  language  of  my  heart 
was,  Lord,  if  I  perish,  let  me  perish  here  ;  let  me  go  no  far- 
ther away  from  thee.  For  some  time  this  was  mostly  my 
cry,  until  at  length  I  felt  a  little  secret  hope  that  1  should 
yet  obtain  mercy;  and  I  said  in  my  heart,  Oh  Lord, 
if  thou  wilt  pardon  and  deliver  me  1  will  serve  thee.  I  will 
follow  thee  whithersoever  thou  art  pleased  to  lead  me  ; 
and  will  do  whatsoever  thou  commandest  me,  if  thou 
wilt  be  pleased  to  be  with  me  and  show  me  the  way  in 
which  thou  wouldest  have  me  to  go,  and  vi'hat  thou 
wouldest  have  me  to  do,  even  although  it  be  to  tell  what 
great  things  thou  hast  done  for  my  soul.  After  a  time, 
it  seemed  as  though  my  cries  were  heard,  and  the  con- 
ditions accepted,  and  I  soon  began  to  think  that  I  should 
be  called  to  pfiblish  the  glad-tidings  of  the  gospel ;  the 
prospect  of  which  became  very  awful  to  me,  for  I  thought 
myself  too  vile  a  creature  and  in  no  way  qualified  for 
such  an  undertaking.  Then  I  concluded  I  would  endea- 
vour to  be  as  good  as  I  could,  without  attempting  this 
awful  work,  for  I  was  afraid  of  it,  lest  if  I  should  under- 
take it,  I  might  again  slide  into  some  weakness,  if  not 
wickedness,  and  become  the  subject  of  contempt  and 
ridicule,  and  so  the  last  state  be  worse  than  the  first. 

Thus  I  reasoned  away  several  years,  sometimes  in 
hope  I  should  get  along  in  this  way,  then  again  almosi 
in  despair,  and  in  great  fear  of  falling  quite  back  again  : 
for  I  did  not  always  resist  temptation  to  sin,  and  so  at 
times  brought  upon  myself  great  trouble  and  distress; 
though  I  may  remark  with  thankfulness  that  I  never,  in 
any  part  of  my  life,  lost  my  reputation  amongst  men,  and 
in  this  respect  perhaps  stood  as  fair  as  most  of  my  age 
and  experience  in  the  world.  But,  ah  me,  I  have  seen 
that  it  is  possible  to  fulfil  all  those  duties  which  relate 
to  civil  society,  and  are  due  to  our  neighbours,  while 
B  2 


18 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1768-97. 


those  which  we  owe  to  our  Creator  are  almost,  if  not 
altogether  neglected.  Much  of  my  iniquity  and  trans- 
gression was  now  of  this  kind,  and  I  was  often  sinning 
and  repenting,  repenting  and  sinning  again.  O,  merci- 
ful God !  long-suffering  and  long-forbearing  !  how  hast 
thou  followed  me,  and  often  brought  my  covenant  with 
thee  into  remembrance,  and  like  an  indulgent  Father, 
showing  me  at  times,  in  part,  the  blessed,  hidden  recom- 
pense of  reward.  Sometimes  I  had  precious  openings 
in  meetings,  insomuch  that  at  length  I  thought  I  would 
yield,  and  at  one  time  in  particular,  it  was  so  clear  and 
powerful  that  I  laid  my  hand  on  my  knee  in  order  to 
rise,  but  being  fearful,  I  thought  I  would  try  it  a  little 
longer,  until  at  length  the  opening  gradually  disappeared 
and  was  quite  withdrawn  from  me.  But  like  the  fruit- 
less figtree  I  was  mercifully  spared  for  several  years 
longer,  without  being  wholly  forsaken,  and  cut  down  ; 
sometimes  unstable  as  water,  and  then  again  experien- 
cing a  little  more  stability. 

At  length  I  concluded  that  if  I  was  married  and  set- 
tled, my  situation  would  be  more  favourable  to  my  re- 
ligious prospects,  as  I  was  much  exposed  in  the  world. 
I  was  now  ready  to  enter  into  covenant  in  this  respect, 
and  to  say  "  If  thou  will  be  pleased  to  grant  me  this  and 
direct  my  steps  herein,  then  I  will  assuredly  yield  to  thy 
requirings."  Oh!  indulgent  heaven!  even  my  request 
for  right  direction  was  granted,  my  marriage  was  repu- 
tably accomplished,  and  I  settled  down  with  my  com- 
panion, who  was  a  young  woman  that  had  sustained  an 
amiable  character  in  Ihe  world,  and  whose  religious 
education  far  exceeded  mine  :  her  name  was  Pharaby 
Knox,  youngest  daughter  of  Thomas  Knox,  who  was 
for  many  years  before  his  death,  an  approved  minister 
among  Friends. — My  own  father  possessed  a  number  of 


1768-97.] 


BICHARD  JORDAN. 


19 


slaves,  and  offered  me  several  of  them,  to  help  me  work: 
but  my  mind  for  several  years  before,  had  been  so  tho- 
roughly impressed  with  a  belief  that  it  was  not  right  to 
keep  them  as  slaves,  that  I  modestly  declined  accepting 
them,  although  it  cost  me  some  displeasure  from  him, 
as  he  had  not  then  fully  seen  the  iniquity  of  the  practice. 
Although  I  had  to  lay  my  hands  to  hard  labour,  yet  I 
felt  a  peaceful  conscience  in  the  course  I  had  taken,  and 
thus  I  got  on  pretty  quietly  for  a  time,  especially  as  I  had 
become  an  advocate  for  the  oppressed  black  people,  and 
many  friends  were  now  setting  them  at  liberty.  But 
still  when  weighed  in  the  balance,  I  was  found  wanting ; 
and  was  brought  to  see  and  fully  believe,  that  notwith- 
standing God  approves  of  every  act  of  moral  righteous- 
ness, benevolence  and  justice,  yet  he  requires  the  heart 
to  be  devoted  to  Him ;  and  while  this  is  wanting  our 
hope  of  salvation  can  never  be  permanent ;  there  is  still 
something  wanting  that  cannot  be  numbered;  the  mind 
is  left  in  unsettlement  and  not  established  on  that  foun- 
dation which  is  immoveable,  and  against  which  all  storms 
and  tempests  beat  in  vain. 

•  After  I  had  thus  struggled  and  wearied  myself  for 
several  years,  endeavouring  still  to  get  along  in  my  own 
way  until  I  had  well  nigh  silenced  those  heavenly  calls 
to  revealed  duty  ;  a  travelling  friend  came  to  our  meet- 
ing, and  was  led  to  minister  to  my  state,  (which  no  mor- 
tal knew  of  by  information  from  man,)  in  such  a  manner, 
that  I  accepted  it  as  a  renewed  visitation  from  that  same 
gracious  Father  of  Mercies,  who  had  been  so  long  striv- 
ing with  me.  This  dear  servant,  who  had  left  all  to  fol- 
low his  blessed  Master,  was  made  instrumental  to  streng- 
then in  me  the  weak  things  that  remained,  so  that  I  was 
once  more  enabled  to  renew  my  resolutions ;  and  in  a 
short  time  after  this,  I  was  raised  upon  my  feet  in  a  small 


20 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1790-97. 


meeting  then  held  in  a  friend's  house,  near  my  habita- 
tion. I  expressed  but  a  very  few  words,  greatly  to  the 
surprise  of  those  present,  but  the  peace  and  sweetness 
which  flowed  into  my  soul  after  the  meeting,  was  better 
felt  than  described:  indeed  I  could  not,  neither  did  I 
wish  to  describe  it,  but  soon  got  home  in  order  to  be 
quiet. 

I  think  I  did  not  speak  again  in  meeting  for  some 
weeks,  and  notwithstanding  my  call  to  this  work  seem- 
ed so  indubitably  clear,  yet  my  appearances,  for  several 
years,  were  but  seldom,  though  1  could  perceive  they 
were  generally  approved,  and  acceptable  to  Friends  : 
but  I  was  afraid  of  having  more  top  than  root,  and 
thought  if  I  must  be  a  preacher,  I  greatly  desired  to  be 
one  of  the  right  sort,  yet  my  progress  in  this  work  was 
so  slow,  that  I  was  often  doubtful  of  ever  coming  to 
much  in  that  line.  I  think  as  well  as  I  can  now  recol- 
lect, it  was  about  the  twenty-fifth  year  of  my  age,  when 
T  first  began  this  work  ;  and  1  did  not  venture  out  on 
any  considerable  journey,  within  the  space  of  ten  years. 
I  was  however  frequently  made  use  of  in  our  meetings 
for  discipline,  under  appointments  to  sundry  services  in 
Society,  and  also  travelled  on  several  small  journies  in 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  within  that  time,  1  believe  to 
the  general  satisfaction  of  Friends  and  others  where  my 
lot  was  cast.  Between  the  years  1790  and  1797,1 
several  times  attended  the  general  Assembly  of  the  state, 
on  behalf  of  the  oppressed  Africans  among  us,  in  com- 
pany with  others  appointed  by  our  yearly  meeting,  in 
order  to  remonstrate  against  some  existing  laws,  which 
had  opened  a  door  for  much  injustice  to  be  committed 
against  the  rights  and  liberty  of  that  people. 

1  was  also  engaged  to  travel  on  foot  to  several  places, 
where  great  cruelty  and  injustice  had  been  exercised, 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


21 


in  taking  up  and  selling  such  negroes  as  had  been  liber- 
ated by  conscientious  persons ;  and  1  had  some  memor- 
able opportunities  among  them.  During  the  same  pe- 
riod I  also  travelled  considerably  in  the  state  of  Virginia 
and  attended  several  of  their  yearly  meetings  to  satis- 
faction. 

Having  had  drawings  in  my  mind  at  times  for  several 
years,  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to  some  of  the  northern 
and  eastern  states,  I  laid  my  prospect  before  our  month- 
ly and  quarterly  meetings,  and  obtained  certificates  ex- 
pressive of  their  unity  and  concurrence  with  me  therein  ; 
and  my  esteemed  friend  Josiah  White,  of  Perquimans 
county,  agreeing  to  be  my  companion  in  this  weighty 
undertaking,  also  obtained  the  concurrence  of  the 
monthly  meeting  to  which  he  belonged.  We  sat  out 
on  the  seventeenth  of  the  third  month,  1797,  and  met 
at  our  friend  Ann  Scott's  at  Western  Branch,  Virginia, 
on  the  eighteenth,  and  next  day  being  first-day  we  at- 
tended their  meeting,  in  which  I  sat  as  an  example  of 
silence  to  the  people.  We  returned  to  Ann  Scott's, 
tarried  that  night,  and  next  day  rode  as  far  as  Thomas 
Putlow's,  and  the  day  following  reached  Barnaby  Nix- 
on's at  Burleigh.  Here  we  met  our  dear  friends  Benja- 
min Albertson  and  wife,  who  accompanied  us  next  day 
to  Burleigh  meeting,  which  was  a  low  time  to  me,  and 
mostly  silent,  except  a  few  words  near  the  conclusion. 
We  went  that  evening  as  far  as  John  Hunnicutt's  and 
thence  took  our  journey  by  way  of  Petersburg  and  Cur- 
ies, and  spent  a  day  with  my  ancient  and  honourable 
relative  Robert  Pleasants. 

Twenty -fifth.  We  proceeded  by  the  way  of  Rich- 
mond, and  in  the  evening  reached  Micajah  Crew's,  near 
Cedar  Creek  :  next  day  being  first-day  we  attended 
their  meeting,  where  T  was  silent  throughout:  after 


22 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


meeting  went  to  Clerk  T.  Moorman's,  who  with  his 
dear  Rachel  accompanied  us  next  day  to  Caroline, 
where  we  had  a  meeting  on  the  twenty-seventh,  in 
which  I  had  some  communication,  but  it  was  a  labori- 
ous time.  On  the  following  day  we  were  accompanied 
by  Matthew  Terrill  ;  baited  at  the  house  of  a  kind  man 
in  Fredericksburg,  and  had  a  religious  opportunity  with 
him  and  his  wife  to  good  satisfaction,  and  reached  Ro- 
bert Painter's  at  StaflTord  the  same  evening ;  had  a  meet- 
ing there  next  day,  which  was  also  an  exercising  time, 
both  during  the  silence,  and  in  the  utterance  of  a  short 
testimony.  We  got  to  Alexandria  on  the  thirty-first, 
and  on  first-day  the  second  of  fourth  month  attended 
two  meetings  there  to  a  good  degree  of  satisfaction  : 
second-day  went  to  Sandy  Spring  in  Montgomery,  and 
the  day  following  had  a  meeting  there,  which  was  a 
time  of  deep  wading,  butl  was  favoured  to  get  through 
to  a  good  degree  of  comfort,  blessed  be  the  Lord  ! — 
Went  that  evening  to  Samuel  Snowden's,  and  the  next 
day,  being  the  fifth,  had  a  satisfactory  meeting  at  Indian 
Spring.  On  fifth-day  the  sixth,  we  set  out  for  the  Clifts, 
nearly  fifty  miles,  through  a  poor,  hilly  and  dreary  coun- 
try ;  had  a  small  meeting  with  the  few  under  our  name 
there  ;  and  on  our  way  back  another  at  West  River, 
where  Friends  are  so  reduced  in  number  that  no  regu- 
lar meeting  is  held,  though  formerly  it  was  the  place  of 
their  yearly  meeting.  Here  1  was  baptised  for  the  little 
remnant  left  under  our  name,  and  had  to  mourn,  as 
over  the  city  of  their  fathers'  sepulchres,  which  seemed 
to  lay  without  walls,  gates  or  bars,  and  encouraged  them 
to  arise  if  possible  and  endeavour  to  rebuild  them,  that 
they  might  not  be  thus  exposed  to  the  incursions  of 
their  potent  enemies,  which  had  almost  brought  deso- 
lation upon  that  place.    They  seemed  much  aflTected 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


23 


with  the  visit  and  with  the  testimony  of  truth  at  that 
time — I  wish  they  may  profit  under  it,  for  I  beheve 
some  of  them  were  made  sensible  that  it  was  a  fresh 
visitation  to  a  decHning  people. 

This  part  of  Maryland  is  so  generally  cleared  of  tim- 
ber, that  in  riding  about  fifty-two  miles,  I  think  we  pass- 
ed about  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  gates,  set  up 
across  the  road  to  save  fencing. 

On  our  return  to  Indian  Spring,  it  being  first-day 
we  attended  another  meeting  with  them  and  rode  the 
same  evening  as  far  as  Elk  Ridge,  and  next  day  had  a 
comfortable  meeting  there.  On  the  following  morning 
we  went  to  visit  a  sick  friend,  and  after  a  comfortable 
opportunity  at  our  lodgings,  with  the  family,  and  several 
others  who  were  present,  we  called  to  see  Benjamin 
Banneker,  a  black  man,  an  astronomer.  He  shewed 
us  a  copy  of  an  almanac  which  he  had  just  calculated 
for  the  succeeding  year,  also  a  clock  which  he  had 
made  several  years  ago,  I  think  he  told  us,  without  any 
instruction.  After  some  conversation  on  these  subjects 
I  felt  my  mind  engaged,  in  a  weighty  manner,  to  recom- 
mend him  to  turn  his  attention  inward,  and  seek  after 
the  knowledge  of  God,  the  Creator  of  all,  who  is  the 
Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  and  hath  bestow- 
ed a  measure  of  his  divine  grace  on  all  men,  in  order 
that  they  might  glorify  him  in  their  day  and  generation, 
and  when  time  here  shall  be  no  more,  receive  a  crown 
immortal  in  that  world  which  is  to  come;  this  being  the 
great  end  for  which  he  created  them,  which  man  never 
can  arrive  at  by  all  his  skill  and  knowledge  in  the  se- 
crets of  nature  or  art ;  or  something  to  this  import : 
he  seemed  somewhat  affected  by  the  communication, 
and  enquired  after  my  name,  saying  he  would  record  it. 
We  went  that  afternoon,  the  eleventh  of  the  fourth 


24 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


month,  into  Baltimore  to  the  house  of  James  Carey, 
and  finding  that  the  small  pox  prevailed  in  the  city,  as 
it  had  done  in  several  places  we  had  passed  through  be- 
fore, we  became  somewhat  intimidated  respecting  the 
disorder,  in  looking  forwards;  however  we  attended 
their  monthly  meeting  which  was  on  the  thirteenth ; 
and  having  solidly  weighed  the  matter,  we  concluded 
to  take  the  small  pox  by  innoculation,  and  our  kind 
friends  aforesaid,  having  offered  their  house  and  as- 
sistance, the  operation  was  performed  on  the  four- 
teenth : — we  had  great  attention  paid  to  us  by  this  kind 
family  and  several  of  their  neighbours ;  and  I  got 
through  the  disorder  favourably,  for  which  mercy  1  felt 
thankful  in  heart.  My  dear  companion  had  it  much 
worse  than  myself,  for  on  the  third  day,  the  doctor  find- 
ing that  instead  of  the  pock  making  its  appearance,  his 
fever  had  nearly  left  him,  his  pulse  slow  and  confused, 
and  httle  or  no  inflammation  in  his  arm,  but  the  part  rather 
sunk  and  livid,  recommended  him  to  dine  on  solid  food, 
take  a  glass  of  wine  and  exercise  himself  by  walking, 
which  was  all  attended  to,  and  whether  from  this  cir- 
cumstance or  the  state  of  his  blood,  the  pock  made  its 
appearance  soon  after,  in  great  abundance.  They  filled 
very  slowly,  and  he  was  sometimes  not  without  the  ap- 
pearance of  danger,  yet  through  the  particular  care  and 
attention  of  the  physician  and  kind  nurses,  under  the  bles- 
sing of  a  kind  Providence,  he  was  brought  safely  through, 
for  which  we  were  humbly  thankful.  These  circum- 
stances occasioned  my  detention  in  this  city  much  longer 
than  1  had  expected,  being  nearly  six  weeks ;  though 
towards  the  latter  end  of  that  time,  my  companion  get- 
ting belter,  I  attended  a  meeting  at  Ellicott's  mills  to 
satisfaction,  was  also  at  sundry  meetings  with  Friends 
in  the  city,  and  had  three  public  meetings  for  those  not 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


25 


professing  with  us.  I  had  also  a  religious  opportunity 
with  the  masters  and  scholars  in  the  academy,  as  well 
as  many  private  opportunities,  and  I  may  say  with  hum- 
ble thankfulness  that  my  little  dedications  here,  have 
through  divine  help  tended  greatly  to  the  relief  of  my 
poor  depressed  mind ;  and  feeling  as  I  apprehended, 
fully  clear  of  this  place  for  the  present,  I  left  my  dear 
companion  to  the  care  of  very  kind  friends  and  to  the 
protection  of  Divine  Providence,  and  set  out  on  the 
29th  of  fifth  month  for  the  Eastern  shore  of  Maryland 
and  Delaware.  Rode  that  day  to  Gunpowder,  and  next 
day  had  a  meeting  there  to  satisfaction,  after  which  T 
went  to  Fawn  in  the  border  of  Pennsylvania,  and  on 
the  following  day  attended  their  meeting ;  rode  about 
twenty  miles  that  evening,  and  next  day  was  at  the 
meeting  at  Little  Falls,  which,  on  the  whole,  was  a  time 
of  favour.  After  meeting  we  called  to  sec  William 
Amos,  senior,  an  ancient  friend  who  had  not  only  tra- 
velled much  but  also  suffered  greatly  on  Truth's  ac- 
count; rode  that  evening  to  Bush,  and  had  a  meeting 
there  next  day,  which  tended  to  our  solid  comfort  and 
rejoicing.  We  went  that  evening  to  Joshua  Husband's 
at  Deer  Creek,  and  the  next  being  first  day  attended  the 
meeting  at  that  place,  which  was  large  ;  many,  not  of 
our  society  came,  and  the  gospel  was  freely  preached 
to  them,  showing  why  Jesus  Christ  was  pleased  to  ma- 
nifest himself  unto  his  immediate  followers,  and  not  un- 
to the  world,  giving  them  to  understand  the  mysteries 
of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  while  he  spake  unto  others 
in  parables. — It  was  a  season  of  divine  favour,  wherein 
thanksgiving  and  praise  ascended  to  Him  who  Hveth  for- 
ever and  ever  !  We  crossed  the  Susquehannah  river 
that  evening  at  a  place  called  Bald  Friars,  where  the 
current  was  very  rapid  and  more  than  a  mile  over,  and 


JOUENAL  OF 


[1797. 


next  day,  fifth  of  sixth  month,  had  a  meeting  at  Little 
Brittain,  and  the  following  day  attended  an  appointed 
meeting  at  East  Brittain,  which  I  hope  was  profitable 
to  some.  We  then  went  to  a  meeting  appointed  at 
West  Nottingham,  where  I  was  favoured  to  clear  my 
mind  in  a  close  searching  testimony,  warning  the  negli- 
gent and  lukewarm  professors,  yet  had  a  word  of  com- 
fort and  encouragement  to  the  few  mourners  in  Zion. 
On  the  ninth  we  had  an  appointed  meeting  at  East 
Nottingham,  where  that  eminent  servant  of  the  Lord, 
John  Churchman,  formerly  belonged  ;  this  was  a  pretty 
large  meeting  and  1  hope  will  prove  a  profitable  season 
to  many  if  carefully  improved. — Next  morning,  after  a 
solid  opportunity  in  the  family  of  George  Churchman,  I 
proceeded  on  my  journey  and  reached  Appoquinimink 
in  the  evening ;  attended  the  monthly  meeting  at  Duck 
Creek  on  the  following  day,  and  on  first  day  the  eleventh 
was  at  Friends'  meeting  at  Little  Creek,  which  was 
a  favoured  time. — At  four  in  the  afternoon,  I  had  a  pub- 
lic meeting  in  the  state  house  at  Dover,  which  was  very 
large  and  a  good  time; — the  people  seemed  glad  of  the 
opportunity.  On  the  twelfth  had  a  meeting  at  Canter- 
bury, and  the  following  day  attended  the  monthly  meet- 
ing of  Motherkill,  which  was  a  time  of  favour. — In  the 
evening  went  to  Camden,  and  on  the  fourteenth  had  a 
public  meeting  there  to  satisfaction  :  indeed  there  seem- 
ed to  be  great  openness  in  the  minds  of  the  people  gene- 
rally, in  these  parts,  and  they  flocked  together  in  abun- 
dance at  a  very  short  notice  when  they  heard  there  was 
to  be  a  public  meeting.  On  the  sixteenth  we  had  a 
meeting  at  a  little  village  called  Fredericka,  where  no 
friends  reside,  which  was  a  solid,  good  time ;  here 
Warner  Mifflin  and  his  wife  met  us,  and  we  had  a  meet- 
ing the  same  afternoon  in  Friend's  meeting-house  at 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


27 


Milford  and  on  the  next  day  one  at  Coolspring,  which 
was  a  dull  exercising  time,  it  felt  to  me  as  though  they 
were  settling  upon  their  lees.  We  lodged  at  a  friend's 
house  where  we  had  a  religious  opportunity  in  the  even- 
ing to  some  satisfaction,  and  on  the  day  following,  being 
first  day,  we  attended  Coolspring  meeting  again,  where 
I  was  favoured  to  clear  my  mind  in  a  close  searching 
testimony,— may  it  be  remembered  to  profit.  Next  day, 
in  the  forenoon  had  a  meeting  in  the  court  house  at 
George  Town,  and  another  in  the  afternoon  at  a  little 
village  called  Dagsborough,  both  to  a  good  degree  of 
satisfaction.  From  this  place  we  went  to  the  house  of 
a  respectable  man,  in  the  state  of  Maryland,  and  after  a 
satisfactory  religious  opportunity  in  his  family,  we  pro- 
ceeded into  Accomack  county  on  the  Eastern  shore  of 
Virginia,  and  had  a  solid  meeting  next  day  among  a 
sober  people  at  Horntown ;  went  in  the  evening  and 
lodged  with  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  the  day  follow- 
ing, being  very  rainy,  we  rested.  On  the  twenty-fourth 
crossed  the  Chinkoteague  Bay,  about  seven  miles,  to  an 
island  of  the  same  name,  and  had  a  comfortable  meet- 
ing with  a  few  sober  people  there,  returning  the  same 
evening,  and  there  being  eleven  of  us  in  a  small  fishing 
boat  and  the  weather  rather  blustering,  the  passage  was 
not  without  the  appearance  of  some  danger,  but  we 
were  favoured  to  get  safely  to  land. 

Twenty-fifth.  Being  first  day,  we  had  a  pretty  large 
meeting  in  the  morning  in  the  dwelling  house  of  the 
late  Daniel  Mifflin,  and  another  at  the  same  place,  in 
the  afternoon  for  the  coloured  people,  both  were  satis- 
factory. The  day  after,  we  rode  about  eighteen  miles 
to  the  house  of  a  justice  of  the  peace,  who  appeared  to 
be  fully  convinced  of  our  principles  and  was  very  loving 
towards  friends ;  he  took  me  in  his  chaise  next  day  to 


28 


JOTJENAL  OF 


[1797. 


Accomack  court  house,  where  we  had  a  public  meet- 
ing ;  and  returned  to  his  house  the  same  evening. — The 
twenty-seventh,  returned  up  to  Mifflin's  place,  and  had 
a  comfortable  opportunity  with  the  young  people,  who 
occupied  the  house,  who,  though  not  members  of  our 
society,  entertained  us  very  hospitably, — this  opportu- 
nity was  like  a  morsel  of  living  bread  broken  amongst 
us,  under  a  humbling  sense  whereof  we  took  our  leave, 
and  that  day  reached  a  little  town  in  Maryland  called 
Snowhill,  a  noted  place  for  ship-building,  where  we 
had  a  meeting  in  the  court  house,  which  aflforded  me 
some  relief,  though  I  believe  it  is  a  place  of  great  dissi- 
pation.— We  tarried  here  this  night,  at  the  house  of  a 
person  who  with  his  wife  and  daughters,  were  very 
kind  and  civil  to  us :  next  day  went  to  Sahsbury  and 
had  a  meeting  that  evening  in  a  large  inn,  which  was 
satisfactory,  though  the  people  seemed  generally  light 
and  gay  on  coming  in,  yet  they  seemed  much  humbled 
under  Truth's  testimony, — blessed  be  the  Lord  !  INext 
day  we  proceeded  to  Easton  and  lodged ;  and  on  first 
day  the  second  of  seventh  month,  we  had  a  meeting  in 
the  forenoon  at  a  place  called  the  Fork,  and  another  in 
the  afternoon  twelve  miles  further  at  Centre,  both 
among  the  Nicholites and  to  satisfaction:  the  testimony 
of  truth  went  forth  freely  amongst  them,  which  they 
received  with  gladness. — They  are  a  plain  people  both 
in  their  dress  and  manners,  and  much  esteemed  by  their 
neighbours  for  their  uprightness  and  honesty  in  their 
dealings,  and  T  was  induced  to  believe  that  many  of 
them  were  not  far  from  the  kingdom  of  heaven. — We 
went  that  night  and  tarried  with  James  Harris,  who  is 
said  to  be  the  principal  leader  among  this  people,  and 
is  I  beheve  an  honest  good  man.  He  entertained  us 
with  much  affectionate  kindness  and  at  parting  express- 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


29 


ed  his  gladness  at  my  company,  taking  his  leave  of  us 
in  a  very  friendly  manner. 

We  had  an  appointed  meeting  with  Friends  of  Mar- 
shy Creek,  where  I  was  painfully  exercised  throughout 
the  meeting  in  silence  ;  yet  found  relief  in  the  conclu- 
sion, from  the  belief  that  1  was  in  the  way  of  my  duty  , 
then  went  on  across  Choptank  river,  and  on  the  follow- 
ing day  attended  meeting  at  Choptank,  which,  in  the 
forepart  was  very  exercising,  but  towards  the  close, 
truth  arose  and  gave  the  victory — blessed  be  the  Lord  ! 
Proceeding  thence,  we  were  at  several  meetings,  viz. 
Bayside,  the  preparative  meeting  at  Easton,  Tuckahoe, 
a  public  meeting  in  the  court  house  in  Easton,  a  meet- 
ing at  Choptank  briage,  and  another  at  the  head  of 
Chester,  with  Friends  and  others,  mostly  to  satisfaction. 
The  next  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  in  Friends 
meeting  house  at  Chester.  As  I  approached  this  place 
I  felt  under  an  inexpressible  cloud  of  exercise,  insomuch 
that  as  I  sat  in  meeting  it  seemed  as  though  the  very 
pains  of  death  and  hell  had  laid  hold  on  me.  I  thought 
I  was  never  more  sensible  of  the  necessity  of  earnestly 
crying  unto  Him  who  alone  is  able  to  rebuke  the  storm 
and  raging  of  the  sea,  and  to  save  us  from  sinking;  and 
as  this  was  my  fervent  cry  in  this  meeting,  blessed  be 
his  name,  he  was  pleased  to  hear  my  cry  in  this  hour  of 
distress,  and  cause  the  sea  to  cease  from  raging,  and  give 
ability  to  exalt  his  testimony  over  the  heads  of  even 
whoremongers  and  murderers,  for  such  there  were  pre- 
sent (as  I  afterwards  understood) — towards  the  latter 
end  of  the  meeting  it  seemed  as  though  the  powers  of 
hell  were  shaken,  and  the  great  name  was  praised  and 
exalted  over  all,  who  is  worthy  forever ! 

On  fourth-day  the  twelfth,  were  at  Cecil  meeting, 
which  was  also  a  time  of  deep  exercise  ;  a  spirit  ap- 
C  2 


30 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


peared  to  prevail  amongst  them  not  much  unlike  that  of 
the  Egyptians  formerly,  which  refused  liberty  to  the 
chosen  seed,  until  a  darkness  covered  them  which  was 
to  be  felt :  there  was  much  labour  bestowed  in  order 
to  bring  them  to  a  sense  of  their  condition  ;  but  alas  !  it 
seemed  to  have  little  effect  for  the  present — the  increase 
must  be  left  with  him  who  alone  hath  power  to  give  it. 
Next  day  we  attended  an  appointed  meeting  at  the  head 
of  Sassafras,  where  was  a  number  of  people  not  pro- 
fessing with  Friends,  some  of  whom  were  from  the 
head  of  Chester,  nine  or  ten  miles  off,  and  others  from 
the  neighbouring  villages,  who  behaved  with  becoming 
order  and  solemnity,  while  the  gospel  was  freely  and 
largely  preached  amongst  them,  which  they  appeared 
to  receive  with  gladness  ;  it  was  given  me  to  believe 
that  there  is  a  seed  in  these  parts  near  to  be  gathered, 
if  Friends  keep  their  habitations  in  the  truth;  which  is 
the  prayer  of  my  soul  for  them  :  dined  at  the  house  of 
a  hopeful  young  man,  and  a  number  of  other  friends  be- 
ing present,  we  were  favoured  with  a  comfortable  op- 
portunity together.  Journeying  thence  we  got  to  Ap- 
poquinimink,  and  next  day  had  a  meeting  with  Friends 
there,  which  was  a  time  of  favour,  wherein  a  remnant 
were  given  to  rejoice  in  God's  salvation  :  we  reached 
White  Clay  Creek  the  same  evening,  and  here  I  met 
my  dear  companion  Josiah  White  after  a  separation  of 
more  than  six  weeks — we  were  truly  rejoiced  to  see 
each  other  again.  Next  day  being  the  seventh  of  the 
week,  we  rested,  and  on  first-day  in  the  forenoon  at- 
tended Friends'  meeting  at  White  Clay  Creek  ;  then 
rode  to  Wilmington  and  attended  their  afternoon  meet- 
ing, which  was  large,  but  dull  and  poor  to  me.  I  sat 
it  through  in  silence,  I  believe  to  the  great  disappoint- 
ment of  many,  but  I  was  thankful  in  being  preserved 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


31 


from  gratifying  the  itching  ears.  We  rested  on  second- 
day  and  wrote  letters  to  our  friends,  and  on  third-day 
attended  an  appointed  meeting  at  Chichester,  which 
was  a  large,  solid,  good  meeting :  went  that  evening 
and  tarried  with  John  Tolbert,  whose  dear  wife  was 
then  in  Europe  on  a  religious  visit;  he  appeared  to 
bear  her  absence  with  becoming  resignation. 

Next  day  we  had  a  meeting  at  Chester  which  was 
rather  a  low  laborious  time :  Lord !  more  and  more 
show  unto  thy  people  the  necessity  of  labouring  for  dai- 
ly bread.  Rode  to  Darby,  and  on  the  following  day  at- 
tended a  large  meeting  at  this  place,  which  was  also  a 
time  of  deep  exercise,  but  truth  arose  and  gave  us  the 
victory,  blessed  be  the  Lord  therefor  ! 

Several  friends  from  Philadelphia  met  us  here,  and 
in  the  afternoon,  the  twentieth  of  seventh  month,  we 
went  into  the  city  :  next  morning,  being  market  day, 
we  walked  in  the  market,  which  both  for  quantity  and 
quality  of  the  provisions,  far  exceeded  any  market  I  had 
ever  seen ;  and  amongst  the  many  thousands  of  people 
which  I  supposed  to  be  there,  I  was  much  delighted  in 
observing  nol  only  the  cleanliness  in  every  department, 
but  the  orderly  conduct  of  the  people ;  insomuch  that 
I  do  not  remember  to  have  heard  a  single  oath  repeated, 
or  any  indecent  behaviour,  but  all  seemed  to  be  con- 
ducted in  peace  and  harmony,  which  yielded  real  satis- 
faction to  my  mind. 

On  first-day  we  attended  Market  street  meeting  in 
the  morning,  where  I  had  a  pretty  open  time  in  testi- 
mony, and  it  was  a  solid  good  meeting :  in  the  after- 
noon attended  the  North  meeting,  which  was  to  me  la- 
borious, but  I  was  favoured  to  get  through  to  a  good 
degree  of  satisfaction.  On  second-day  morning  we 
went  to  the  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  held  in 


32 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


Fourth  street  meeting  house,  after  which  we  returned 
to  our  lodgings  and  were  visited  by  a  number  of  our 
valuable  friends.  Third-day  attended  the  monthly  meet- 
ing for  the  Northern  District  where  I  had  good  service 
to  the  comforting  and  tendering  of  many  minds  and 
much  to  the  relief  of  my  own — praised  be  the  Lord  ! 
In  the  evening  several  friends  came  in,  and  being  drawn 
into  solemn  silence,  the  divine  presence  was  felt  to  be 
near,  and  we  had  a  heart  tendering  time  together,  like 
a  refreshing  shower  from  heaven  on  the  thirsty  ground, 
under  an  humbling  sense  whereof,  praises  and  thanks- 
giving ascended  up  to  Him  who  alone  is  worthy  for- 
ever !  We  attended  the  monthly  meeting  held  at  Pine 
street  meeting  house  on  fourth  day,  where  I  was  opened 
into  the  mystery  of  the  holy  waters  as  seen  by  the  pro- 
phet in  the  vision  of  life,  pointing  out  the  glorious  work 
of  reformation,  and  the  spreading  of  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  Jesus  upon  earth  :  it  was  an  humbling  time,  in 
which  the  hearts  of  many  were  made  renewedly  thank- 
ful to  the  Lord  for  the  continuance  of  his  mercies,  es- 
pecially the  remnant  who  were  engaged  to  travail  with 
the  seed,  and  who  waited  for  the  consolation  of  Israel. 
We  visited  several  friends  in  a  social  way  this  after- 
noon, and  next  day  went  to  the  preparative  meeting  at 
Market  street,  which  was  also  a  solid  and  good  meet- 
ing. In  the  evening  on  returning  to  our  lodgings  we 
found  a  number  of  friends  who  had  come  in  to  see  us, 
and  after  a  time  of  pleasant  conversation,  being  drawn 
into  stillness,  I  was  opened  in  testimony,  and  it  proved 
a  blessed  opportunity,  like  the  distiUing  of  the  precious 
dew  of  heaven  upon  our  spirits ;  it  was  the  Lord's  do- 
ing, giving  us  to  rejoice  together  in  his  blessed  presence  ; 
praised  be  his  name  forever.  On  sixth-day,  we  attend- 
ed the  monthly  meeting  of  Philadelphia,  for  the  middle 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


33 


district,  held  in  the  Fourth  street  meeting  house  :  here 
I  felt  such  an  exercise  on  my  spirit,  that  I  was  ready  to 
cry  out,  "  for  Zion's  sake  1  cannot  hold  my  peace 
and  as  I  gave  up  thereto,  a  door  of  utterance  was  open- 
ed upon  the  subject  of  the  evil  spies,  who,  after  they 
had  been  favoured  not  only  to  see  the  good  land,  but 
also  to  eat  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  to  bear  some  of  the 
clusters  on  their  shoulders  in  the  sight  of  the  people, 
brought  in  an  evil  report,  and  made  the  hearts  of  many 
to  melt,  because  of  their  discouragements  and  unbelief; 
this  was  opened  and  set  before  us  in  the  light  of  the 
gospel,  to  the  bowing  and  humbling  of  many  minds ; 
for  which  favour,  thanksgiving  and  praises  ascended  up 
to  Him,  who  thus  mercifully  continues  his  holy  help  to 
the  remnant  of  his  people  that  trust  in  him,  amen. 
Went  and  spent  a  little  time  with  our  ancient  and 
honourable  friend  James  Pemberton,  and  the  meeting 
for  business  having  adjourned  to  four  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  we  sat  with  Friends  again,  and  then  went  to 
see  our  worthy  friend  David  Bacon. 

We  rested  on  seventh-day  and  wrote  letters  to  our 
families,  and  on  first-day  morning  attended  Pine  street 
meeting,  which  was  large,  many  not  of  our  society  be- 
ing present :  the  Lord's  power  broke  forth  amongst  us, 
and  I  was  engaged  in  testimony  and  supplication  until 
I  was  almost  faint;  the  divine  presence  shone  amongst 
us,  to  the  comfort  and  consolation  of  many  hearts — 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  I^ord  !  In  the  afternoon 
we  were  at  Market  street  meeting,  where  1  was  silent, 
but  satisfied  in  the  belief  that  I  was  in  the  way  of  my 
duty. 

On  second  day,  the  thirty-first  of  seventh  month,  we 
attended  Abington  monthly  meeting,  held  this  time  at 
Frankford,  about  five  miles  from  the  city,  which  was  a 


34 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


favoured  time.  We  dined  with  Nicholas  Wain  at  his 
country  residence,  who  with  his  dear  wife  were  affec- 
tionately kind  to  us ;  several  friends  from  the  city  also 
came  in,  and  we  had  a  religious  opportunity  to  the  solid 
comfort  and  refreshment  of  our  spirits,  after  which  we 
returned  to  the  city.  Third-day  we  went  to  the  North 
meeting,  at  which  there  was  a  marriage.  I  was  much 
exercised  in  the  meeting,  and  had  a  clear  opening  on 
my  mind,  but  could  tind  no  way  to  express  it,  and  went 
away  with  my  burden  and  had  a  poor  evening.  Next 
day  attended  Pine  street  week-day  meeting,  which  was 
a  time  of  close  exercise,  yet  I  was  enabled  to  wade 
through  to  a  good  degree  of  satisfaction.  We  made  a 
few  social  visits,  and  returned  to  our  lodgings;  my  mind 
in  rather  a  poor  stripped  state.  Lord,  grant  me  pa- 
tience ;  preserve  and  help  me,  if  it  be  thy  blessed  will, 
that  so  thy  holy  cause  may  not  suffer  by  me  !  Fifth-day 
we  were  at  the  Market  street  meeting,  where  I  was  led 
to  treat  on  the  subject  of  Solomon's  coming  to  sit  on 
the  throne  of  his  father  David,  and  bringing  his  father's 
enemies  to  justice  ;  this  was  a  solid  and  good  meeting. 

Sixth-day,  fourth  of  eighth  month.  We  kept  pretty 
much  to  our  lodgings,  and  wrote  letters  to  our  friends, 
there  being  no  meeting  in  the  city.  On  seventh-day, 
fifth,  we  attended  the  quarterly  meeting  of  ministers 
and  elders,  where  I  was  largely  opened  on  one  of  Dan- 
iel's visions,  and  1  believe  it  was  to  general  satisfaction. 

First-day,  sixth.  We  went  to  the  North  meeting  in 
the  forenoon,  which  was  large.  I  was  opened  on  these 
words,  "  that  which  is  afar  off  and  exceeding  deep, 
who  can  find  it  out from  which  1  was  led  to  treat  on 
the  mystery  of  the  true  church,  of  which  the  man  Christ 
Jesus  is  head  :  through  the  extension  of  holy  help  this 
was  a  blessed  opportunity,  which  1  hope  will  not  soon 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


35 


be  forgotten  by  me,  and  many  others  present.  I  soon 
retired  to  my  lodgings  after  this  meeting,  being  unwell, 
but  felt  solid  peace  of  mind.  In  the  afternoon,  though 
still  poorly,  I  attended  Market  street  meeting,  which  I 
was  favoured  to  sit  through  in  peaceful  silence,  and  re- 
turned to  our  lodgings  with  a  thankful  heart.  In  the 
evening,  several  friends  coming  to  see  us,  after  a  time, 
we  were  drawn  into  silence,  and  our  gracious  Master 
was  pleased  to  favour  us,  as  with  a  celestial  shower,  to 
the  comfort  and  refreshment  of  our  souls ;  under  an 
humbling  sense  of  which,  praises  and  thanksgiving  as- 
cended up  to  Him,  who  alone  is  worthy  thereof  for- 
ever. 

On  second  day  the  seventh,  we  attended  the  quar- 
terly meeting  which  was  large  ;  several  friends  from  the 
country  being  present,  and  on  the  whole  it  was  a  solid 
and  good  meeting,  which  I  was  favoured  to  enjoy  in  si- 
lence, while  several  others  were  acceptably  engaged  in 
public  communications; — after  meeting  we  went  to  see 
the  wife  and  children  of  our  friend  Thomas  Scatter- 
good,  he  being  at  this  time  in  Europe  on  a  religious 
visit. — Third  day  the  eighth,  in  the  forenoon,  a  youth's 
meeting  was  held,  and  in  the  afternoon  one  for  the  blacks, 
but  I  continued  so  unwell  that  I  did  not  attend  either 
of  them. — Fifth  day  the  tenth,  getting  better  of  my  in- 
disposition, we  attended  the  Market  Street  meeting  this 
morning  which  was  large,  perhaps  more  so,  on  account 
of  a  marriage.  I  felt  very  weak  in  body,  but  being  soon 
clothed  with  an  exercise  of  spirit,  I  ventured  to  stand 
up  and  was  opened  on  the  subject  of  wisdom,  from 
which  I  was  enabled  to  utter  many  gospel  truths,  and 
the  meeting  concluded  in  solemn  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion to  the  Almighty  Father,  for  the  continuation  of  his 
mercies  towards  us  his  poor  dependent  creatures.  This 


36 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


was  a  glorious  meeting  wherein  my  soul,  with  many 
more,  were  refreshed  and  enabled  to  thank  God  and 
take  courage  in  pressing  forward  in  the  heavenly  journey, 
looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  the  saint's 
faith,  to  him  be  glory,  dominion,  and  praise,  forever- 
more. 

Sixth  day  the  eleventh :  We  left  Philadelphia  and  at- 
tended a  quarterly  Youth's  meeting  atAbington,  which 
was  a  solid  season  ;  at  the  house  where  we  dined,  a  con- 
siderable number  of  friends  came  in,  many  of  whom 
were  young  people,  and  we  had  a  satisfactory  religious 
opportunity  with  them,  after  which  we  went  home 
with  Peter  Yarnall  and  wife  to  Byberry,  where  we 
rested  next  day. 

First  day  the  thirteenth,  attended  a  meeting  at  Bris- 
tol which  was  large,  many  not  of  our  society  being 
present,  the  gospel  was  freely  preached  to  this  au- 
ditory and  the  people  seemed  humbled  under  Truth's 
testimony,  and  behaved  with  a  becoming  solemnity 
throughout,  much  to  my  satisfaction,  although  the  meet- 
ing held  near  three  hours  ;  many  were  made  thankful 
and  gave  glory  to  God.  We  called  to  see  an  ancient 
friend  in  the  afternoon  and  had  a  religious  opportunity 
in  the  family,  and  then  rode  to  William  Blakey's. 

Second  day,  the  fourteenth,  attended  an  appointed 
meeting  at  Middlelown,  which  was  the  largest  appoint- 
ed meeting  we  have  been  at  in  this  country  :  I  stood 
forth  in  the  love  of  the  Gospel  in  this  large  assembly 
until  my  nature  was  well  nigh  exhausted  ere  I  was 
aware  of  it  ;  but  the  Lord's  truth  was  exalted  over  all, 
insomuch  that  I  was  scarcely  sensible  of  the  want  of 
anything ;  blessed  be  his  great  name  forever  !  After  the 
meeting  was  over  I  soon  withdrew  to  William  Blakey's 
with  a  thankful  heart,  and  in  the  evening  had  a  com- 


1797.] 


RICIIAKD  JORDAN. 


37 


I'ortable  opportunity  with  the  family  and  several  other 
friends,  some  of  whom  were  from  Philadelphia.  Third 
day  the  fifteenth,  attended  a  meeting  at  the  Falls,  which 
was  also  very  large,  many  not  professing  with  us  being 
there,  who  behaved  well,  and  seemed  humbled  under 
the  testimony  of  Truth,  which  was  largely  declared 
amongst  them  in  its  own  authority.  This  was  a  solid 
good  meeting,  wherein  thanksgiving  and  praise  ascended 
to  the  great  Shepherd  of  Israel,  who  still  continues  to 
care  for  his  sheep. 

After  meeting  we  went  home  with  Jonathan  Kirk- 
bride,  accompanied  by  Peter  Yarnall  and  wife ;  in  the 
evening  a  number  of  young  people  coming  in,  we  had 
a  religious  opportunity  among  them  to  some  satisfaction. 

Fourth-day,  sixteenth.  We  left  Pennsylvania  and 
crossed  over  into  New  Jersey  at  Trenton;  attended  an 
appointed  meeting  there  the  same  day,  which  was  poor 
and  dull  in  the  forepart,  but  at  length  Truth  arose  and 
gave  the  victory,  and  its  own  testimony  was  exalted. 
After  this  meeting  we  rode  to  Stony  Brook,  and  on  fifth 
day,  seventeenth,  attended  a  meeting  there  which  was 
a  very  exercising  one  to  me  :  I  was  opened  on  the  words, 
"  Foxes  have  holes  and  the  birds  of  (he  air  have  nests, 
but  the  Son  of  Man  hath  not  whereon  to  lay  his  head;" 
and  was  favoured  to  get  relieved.  We  rode  about 
twenty-three  miles  that  afternoon,  and  next  day  got  to 
Rahway,  where  we  attended  the  quarterly  meeting  of 
ministers  and  elders,  and  on  seventh  day  the  quarterly 
meeting  for  discipline. 

First-day,  we  attended  two  large  meetings  for  wor- 
ship at  the  same  place,  there  being  a  very  great  num- 
ber of  people  not  of  our  society,  to  whomi  was  enlarg- 
ed in  testimony  ;  which  went  f  )rtb  in  a  close  searching 
manner  to  the  careless  professors  and  to  the  sons  of  folly. 


38 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


yet  a  word  of  comfort  and  encouragement  was  handed 
to  the  few  mourners  in  Zion,  who  were  made  glad  this 
day,  for  the  exaltation  of  the  Lord's  truth  over  all,  un- 
der a  humbling  sense  whereof,  praises  and  thanksgiving 
ascended  to  Him  who  liveth  forever  and  ever :  besides 
these  memorable  meetings,  we  had  sundry  private  op- 
portunities in  this  village,  in  most  of  which  our  souls 
were  humbled  and  melted  down  before  the  Lord  under 
a  sense  of  his  living  presence  being  felt  amongst  us, 
whereby  the  stone  was  rolled  away  and  the  poor  of  his 
flock  were  watered  by  the  pouring  forth  of  divine  con- 
solation into  their  souls,  glory  be  to  his  great  name  for- 
ever, who  hath  not  forgotten  to  be  gracious  to  his  hum- 
ble depending  children,  who  desire  to  wait  for  him. — 
Second  day  the  twenty-first,  had  a  public  meeting  at 
Elizabelhtown  about  five  miles  from  Rahway,  on  our 
way  to  New  York,  which  proved  very  laborious  to  me, 
with  very  little  prospect  of  much  good  resulting  from  it. 

We  got  to  New  York  that  evening  and  took  up  our  lodg- 
ings with  our  kind  friends  Robert  and  Elizabeth  Bowne  : 
on  entering  this  large  city  I  felt  low  and  dejected  in 
mind.  O  Lord,  look  down  upon  me  and  preserve 
me  through  every  trying  scene.  Fourth-day,  twenty- 
third  ;  attended  their  week-day  meeting  which  was 
large,  I  had  considerable  to  communicate,  and  felt  some 
relief.  We  visited  some  of  our  friends,  and  returned  to 
our  lodgings,  where  we  spent  most  of  the  remaining  part 
of  this  week  ;  for  I  felt  so  low  and  dejected  in  mind, 
that  I  could  not  think  of  much  visiting  ;  but  endeavour- 
ed to  abide  iit  patience,  inwardly  breathing  to  my  graci- 
ous Master,  for  preservation  and  right  direction.  Our 
friends  frequently  called  to  see  us  in  the  evenings,  and 
some  of  these  I  hope  were  not  unprofitably  spent  :  one  of 
them  inparticular  I  thought  wasjrathera  remarkable  time. 


1  797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


39 


much  of  it  being  spent  in  solemn  retirement,  wherein 
several  were  broken  into  tears  ;  it  was  a  heart-tender- 
ing time  though  there  was  not  a  word  spoken  amongst 
us.  Seventh-day,  still  so  low  and  shut  up,  that  1  stay 
mostly  in  my  chamber. 

First-day,  twenty-seventh,  attended  the  fore  and  af- 
ternoon meetings  here ;  the  first  was  a  glorious  time, 
wherein  Truth  reigned  over  all,  to  tlie  humbling  and 
bowing  of  many  minds :  the  Lord's  great  name  was 
magnified,  and  the  little  remnant  of  his  dependent  ones 
sweetly  comforted  :  the  last  meeting  was  not  quite  so 
open  as  the  first,  but  I  hope  was  a  profitable  time  to 
many.  We  called  to  see  our  ancient  and  honourable 
friend  Joseph  Delaplaine,  and  then  returned  to  our  lodg- 
ings :  in  the  evening  a  number  of  friends  came  to  see 
us,  and  we  were  favoured  with  another  heart-tender- 
ing opportunity  together ;  blessed  be  the  Lord  therefor. 
Next  day  we  went  to  visit  an  ancient  friend  whose  name 
was  Henry  Haddock,  he  appeared  to  be  not  far  from  his 
final  change  we  had  a  comfortable  religious  opportu- 
nity with  him  and  his  daughters. 

Third-day  the  twenty-ninth,  we  left  New  York,  cross- 
ed the  East  river  at  Brooklyn,  and  attended  an  appoint- 
ed meeting  at  Newtown,  which  was  small,  yet  a  door  of 
utterance  was  opened  to  preach  the  gospel  in  good  au- 
thority to  this  small  gathering,  most  of  whom  were 
broken  andtendered  before  the  Lord,  and  the  meeting 
ended  in  prayer  and  thanksgiving:  at  the  conclusion, 
my  poor  spirit  felt  so  relieved  that  1  left  the  meeting 
with  joy  and  gladness  of  heart,  glory  to  Him  who  said, 
1  go  away  and  come  again."  We  rode  about  twenty 
miles  to  Westbury,  and  lodged  at  the  house  of  Gideon 
Seaman,  whose  father  is  a  very  aged  man  and  blind,  but 
otherwise  active,  frequently  goes  to  meeting  more  than 


40 


JOUKNAL  OF 


[1797. 


a  mile  on  foot,  and  seems  cheerful  and  lively  in  spi- 
rit. 

Fourth-day,  thirtieth.  Attended  the  week  day  meet- 
ing at  Westbury,  where  many  friends  were  collected 
who  made  a  very  plain  appearance,  but  I  sat  the 
meeting  through  in  silence,  lamentably  poor,  and  so 
went  away.  After  this  meeting  we  went  to  Fry  Wil- 
lis', and  on  tifth-day  attended  the  meeting  at  Jericho 
to  some  satisfaction.  Sixth-day,  first  of  ninth  month  : 
went  to  an  appointed  meeting  at  Hollow  Hills,  which, 
on  the  whole  was  a  time  of  favour:  in  the  afternoon 
called  to  see  an  ancient  friend  who  was  blind,  and  had 
a  satisfactory  religious  opportunity  in  his  family.  Se- 
venth-day attended  a  meeting  at  Bethpage,  which  was 
very  exercising  and  trying  in  the  forepart  of  it,  but  to- 
wards the  close,  a  door  of  utterance  was  opened  to 
labour  pretty  largely  in  a  close  searching  manner  for 
their  help  ;  and  many  for  the  present,  seemed  pretty 
much  afFected  at  the  opening  of  their  states  and  setting 
them  before  them  in  the  authority  of  Truth.  I  left  this 
meeting  with  the  evidence  of  peace,  and  in  the  after- 
noon had  religious  service  in  two  families,  the  latter  of 
which  was  truly  a  soul-reviving  season  :  here  the  heavy 
burden  and  covering  of  sackcloth,  which  my  poor  soul 
has  borne  much  of  the  time  we  have  been  on  this  isl- 
and, seemed  to  be  rent  and  measurably  taken  off,  and  I 
had  to  witness  something  like  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourn- 
ing, and  the  garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness 
— for  which  my  soul  bowed  and  worshipped  Him  who 
is  the  Alpha  and  the  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end  ; 
worthy  to  be  worshipped  and  exalted  over  all ;  so  be  it, 
world  without  end. 

We  returned  to  Fry  Willis'  the  same  evening,  and 
next  day  being  first-day,  the  third,  after  a  comfortable 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


41 


season  in  the  family,  we  went  to  meeting  at  Matinicock 
which  was  large,  there  being  a  considerable  number 
present  who  were  not  of  our  society.  Here  my  spirit 
was  uncommonly  baptised  into  feeling,  on  account  of 
a  state  of  infidelity  and  disbelief  in  Christ  Jesus  the 
Saviour  of  the  world,  and  my  mouth  was  opened  large- 
ly on  the  subject,  in  a  manner  I  thought  strange  of, 
amongst  so  many  friends  ;  but  1  was  afterwards  inform- 
ed that  these  principles  much  prevailed  in  that  neigh- 
bourhood, and  that  there  were  a  number  present  sup- 
posed to  have  imbibed  those  dark  principles  of  deism. 
Oh  !  what  will  become  of  these  wicked  agents  of  satan, 
unless  they  repent  and  turn  to  God  !  Will  he  not  mis- 
erably destroy  these  wicked  husbandmen,  and  let  his 
vineyard  to  others  that  will  receive  his  Son !  The 
meeting  ended  in  solemn  prayer,  and  the  Lord's  truth 
was  this  day  exalted  over  all,  to  the  humbling  and  con- 
founding of  the  gainsayers  ;  glory  to  his  great  name  for- 
ever. 

Went  after  meeting  to  Silas  Downing's,  and  several 
friends  coming  in  after  dinner,  we  had  a  heart-tendering 
opportunity  together.  Next  day  we  had  a  meeting  at 
Oyster  Bay,  where  are  not  many  friends,  but  a  consi- 
derable number  of  others  came  in,  to  whom  the  gospel 
was  freely  and  largely  preached,  with  which  they  seem- 
ed well  satisfied  :  the  meeting  concluded  with  prayer, 
and  the  people  parted  with  great  solemnity.  We  re- 
turned to  Silas  Downing's,  and  on  third-day,  the  fifth, 
attended  a  meeting  appointed  at  Cowneck,  which, 
though  not  large,  was  very  exercising.  I  laboured  con- 
siderably amongst  them,  and  though  it  appeared  to  have 
but  little  effect,  yet  I  was  favoured  in  the  conclusion  to 
feel  relief;  we  also  had  a  comfortable  opportunity  in 
the  evening  where  we  lodged. 

D  2 


42 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


Fourth-day,  sixth,  returned  to  Westbury,  where  we 
met  with  our  countrywoman  Charity  Cook,  on  her  way 
to  Europe,  and  were  truly  rejoiced  to  see  each  other  : 
next  day  we  all  attended  Westbury  meeting,  which  was 
very  laborious  and  exercising,  but  ended  to  a  good  de- 
gree of  satisfaction.  Went  that  evening  to  Flushing, 
and  on  the  following  day  attended  monthly  meeting 
there,  to  which  Friends  of  New  York  belong.  This 
was  a  glorious  meeting  :  I  thought  I  never  had  b^een  a 
witness  to  such  a  solemnity  at  any  meeting  for  so  long 
together  ;  it  continued  throughout  both  the  meeting  for 
worship  and  discipline,  which  held  about  six  hours.  I 
was  largely  engaged  in  testimony  and  supplication, 
greatly  to  the  relief  of  my  poor  exercised  mind,  and  to 
the  comfort  and  rejoicing  of  many  others. 

Apprehending  ourselves  clear  of  Long  Island,  we 
parted  with  Charity  Cook  and  company,  and  other  dear 
friends,  and  set  out  for  the  main  :  had  religious  oppor- 
tunities in  two  families  on  our  way,  and  after  riding 
about  fifteen  miles  crossed  over  the  Sound  to  New  Ro- 
chelle.  Seventh  day  we  attended  an  appointed  meet- 
ing at  West  Chester,  which  was  very  poor  and  exercis- 
ing in  the  forepart,  but  ended  to  the  relief  of  my  mind. 
First-day  the  tenth,  were  at  Mamaroneck  meeting, 
which  was  large,  there  being  a  burial.  I  was  led  to 
treat  on  the  nature  and  spirit  of  the  gospel,  which 
breathes  peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men.  Truth 
reigned  over  all  this  day,  and  a  glorious  meeting  it  was 
to  us,  and  to  many  who  did  not  profess  with  us,  but 
who  seemed  glad  of  the  opportunity. 

Third-day,  the  twelfth,  we  attended  a  meeting  at  New 
Rochelle,  appointed  for  those  not  of  our  society,  which 
was  pretty  large  :  their  priest  and  his  wife  were  there, 
and  all  were  quiet ;  the  meeting  ended  to  satisfaction. 


1797.] 


KICHAED  JOHDAN. 


43 


and  I  returned  to  our  lodgings  with  the  evidence  of 
peace.  Fourth-day  we  had  a  meeting  in  the  court 
house  at  White  Plains,  which  was  also  large,  and  the 
people  behaved  in  a  solid  becoming  manner;  and  al- 
though I  suppose  I  sat  silent  near  an  hour  and  a  half, 
yet  they  continued  quiet,  until  at  leagth  a  door  of  utter- 
ance was  opened,  and  it  proved  to  be  a  glorious  meet- 
ing :  the  people  were  generally  humbled  and  many  were 
broken  into  tenderness  and  tears  ;  it  was  said  there 
were  several  lawyers  present  who  were  also  affected  un- 
der Truth's  testimony.  The  meeting  concluded  in  pray- 
er, after  which  I  commended  the  solid  attention  of  the 
audience  and  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  them  ;  many 
of  the  people  wept  and  departed  with  great  solemnity  : 
may  the  Lord  bless  and  sanctify  this  opportunity  to 
(heir  lasting  benefit,  and  take  all  the  praise  unto  him- 
self, to  whom  alone  it  is  forever  due,  but  unto  us,  self- 
abasement  as  in  the  dust. 

Fifth-day  the  fourteenth,  attended  the  monthly  meet- 
ing at  Purchase,  which  was  large,  and  eminently  owned 
by  the  Divine  presence;  the  lukewarm  were  power- 
fully called  unto,  and  aroused,  and  shewn  the  danger  of 
their  situation,  at  which  many  of  them  seemed  to  be 
humbled  for  the  present,  while  the  true  mourners  were 
comforted  and  encouraged. 

Sixth-day,  fifteenth.  This  morning  as  I  walked  to  and 
fro  alone,  I  rejoiced  in  spirit,  and  all  that  was  alive  in 
me  returned  thanks  to  my  gracious  Master,  who  had  en- 
abled me  to  leave  my  all  for  his  gospel's  sake.  May  1 
keep  the  word  of  his  patience  under  every  turning  of 
his  divine  hand  upon  me,  until  he  fully  perfect  his  will 
in  me  to  the  praise  of  his  own  name.  Amen. 

Seventh-day,  sixteenth.  We  took  our  leave  of  friends 
here  in  near  affection,  and  set  out  for  Rhode  Island 


44 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


through  Connecticut,  a  very  rough  road.  On  first-day 
we  attended  their  little  meeting  at  Middlesex  to  satis- 
faction, and  then  took  our  journey  by  the  way  of  Mill 
River,  Stratford,  New  Haven,  Guildford,  Killingsworth, 
New  London,  &c.  and  on  fourth-day  the  twentieth,  got 
to  a  friend's  house  at  a  place  called  Pawtucket  Bridge, 
which  is  on  the  boundary  between  Connecticut  and 
Rhode  Island.  This  is  the  first  friend's  house  we  have 
seen  since  we  left  Middlesex  ;  the  people  among  whom 
we  have  passed  are  generally  civil  and  respectful  to 
strangers. 

Fifth-day,  the  twenty-first,  attended  a  meeting  at  Hop- 
kinton,  which  was  a  low  time,  and  I  left  it  much  de- 
jected ;  indeed,  for  several  days  1  seemed  to  be  as  it 
were  under  the  weight  of  a  mountain.  Oh  Lord,  with- 
draw not  thy  help  from  me,  for  without  it  I  cannot  per- 
severe, no  not  even  stand  still,  nor  watch  one  hour  ; 
therefore,  oh  my  God,  enable  me  yet  to  lean  on  thee, 
for  on  the  arm  of  thy  power  I  desire  to  trust,  in  which 
alone  there  is  safety  and  preservation.  Sixth-day  at- 
tended an  appointed  meeting  at  Westerly,  which  was 
small,  but  on  the  whole,  a  precious  soul-animating  op- 
portunity— blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  !  We  were 
then  at  South  Kingston  upper  meetinghouse,  Richmond 
and  South  Kingston  lower  meeting  house,  all  of  which 
were  seasons  of  favour  :  on  second  day  we  crossed  over 
two  wide  ferries,  by  way  of  Conanicut  Island,  to  New- 
port, Rhode  Island,  and  put  up  with  our  friend  Thomas 
Robinson.  Third-day,  the  twenty-sixth,  we  attended 
the  monthly  meeting  here,  which  was  large,  and  proved 
a  laborious,  exercising  time  to  me,  yet  I  found  some  re- 
lief in  a  faithful  discharge  of  apprehended  duty,  and 
hope  it  was  a  profitable  season  to  some.  I  also  visited 
the  women's  meeting,  I  believe  to  the  satisfaction  of 


1797.] 


KIOHARD  JORDAN. 


45 


friends.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  time  of  retirement  at 
our  lodgings,  with  the  family,  as  we  had  had  the  even- 
ing before,  both  which  opportunities  passed  in  silence, 
with  which  I  was  satisfied  ;  "  there  is  a  time  to  keep 
silence,  and  a  time  to  speak,"  may  I  be  rightly  directed 
in  both.  Fourth-day  we  staid  mostly  at  our  lodgings, 
and  wrote  letters  to  our  families,  and  on  fifth-day, 
twenty -eighth,  attended  their  week  day  meeting,  which 
was  large,  and  the  testimony  of  Truth  flowed  forth  free- 
ly, especially  towards  the  rising  generation,  of  which 
class  there  was  a  large  proportion  present,  many  of 
whom  were  much  tendered,  and  the  meeting  ended  in 
prayer.  In  the  afternoon  we  paid  social  visits  to  some 
friends  to  satisfaction,  and  returned  to  our  lodgings. 
Sixth-day  :  this  morning  my  mind  is  humbled  and  con- 
trited  before  the  Lord,  under  a  fresh  sense  of  his  con- 
tinued goodness  to  my  poor  soul.  Oh  Lord,  so  con- 
tinue and  keep  me  in  the  way  that  will  please  thee — 
for  without  thy  help  I  see  that  I  can  do  nothing  aright. 

On  seventh-day,  the  thirtieth,  we  had  a  very  large 
public  meeting  in  Friends'  meeting-house  for  those  not 
professing  with  us,  who  at  their  gathering  sat  in  a  solid 
becoming  manner  ;  but  one  stood  up  very  soon  in  tes- 
timony in  a  way  that  unsettled  the  meeting  for  a  time  ; 
but  at  length  it  seemed  to  become  more  settled,  and  I 
expected  soon  to  stand  up,  but  that  sf^me  person  rose 
again  with  a  repetition  of  many  words  without  life,  at 
which  the  people  were  so  disturbed  that  they  began  to 
leave  the  meeting;  and  although  my  concern  for  them 
was  great,  yet  I  durst  not  offer  any  thing  until  the  com- 
ing of  the  heavenly  Prophet,  lest  I  should  be  a  means 
of  scattering  instead  of  gathering  them.  And  in  the  re- 
membrance of  the  passage  respecting  SauPs  conduct 
and  the  effect  of  it,  in  a  case  analogous  to  this,  I  was 


46 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


settled  dov,'n  in  the  quiet  and  passed  the  meeting  in  si- 
lence and  left  it  rejoicing  in  my  own  preservation. 

First-day,  first  of  the  tenth  month,  we  attended  the 
fore  and  afternoon  meetings  in  course  which  were  both 
seasons  of  favour,  wherein  truth  reigned  to  the  humble 
rejoicingof  many  minds.  Second-day,  not  feeling  clear 
in  my  mind,  1  proposed  a  meeting  this  morning  for  the 
ministers  and  elders  only,  which  was  agreed  to  and  we 
met  about  eleven  o'clock :  this  meeting  being  rather 
uncommon  and  a  great  task  for  me,  we  went  to  it, 
trembling  and  in  great  fear,  but  my  gracious  Master 
who,  Idid  believe,  laid  this  service  upon  me,  mercifully 
helped  me  to  labour  tenderly  with  them  in  his  love,  in- 
somuch that  many  were  broken  and  melted  down  un- 
der the  influence  of  the  holy  power  that  attended  us  in 
this  opportunity.  After  the  meeting  some  of  the  friends 
ventured  to  tell  me  that  there  was  a  cause  for  my  ex- 
ercise, and  marvelled  at  the  manner  in  which  1  was  led 
amongst  them  ; — it  was  the  Lord's  doings  and  marvel- 
lous in  the  eyes  of  his  children.  My  soul  bowed  and 
acknowledged  the  kingdom  and  the  power  and  the  glory 
to  be  His,  to  whom  alone  all  the  praise  is  due  forever- 
more.  Amen. 

Third-day,  the  third,  we  left  Newport  and  were  at  an 
appointed  meeting  at  Portsmouth,  which  was  a  solid 
favoured  season.  Having  a  friend  of  Newport  for  our 
pilot  we  crossed  over  to  Tiverton  that  evening  and  next 
day  had  a  meeting  there  which  was  small  and  poor,  but 
ability  was  mercifully  afforded  to  labour  pretty  largely 
amongst  them,  to  the  relief  of  my  own  mind  and  I  hope 
to  the  profit  of  some.  We  had  a  religious  opportunity 
in  the  friends'  family  where  we  dined,  and  rode  the  same 
evening  about  eighteen  miles  to  New  Bedford. — On  fifth- 
day,  we  attended  their  week-day  meeting  at  this  place. 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


47 


which  I  hope  on  the  whole  was  to  some  profit,  though 
very  exercising  to  me. — Sixth-day,  was  a  very  low  and 
trying  time.  Lord,  keep  and  preserve  me  in  the  right 
way ! 

Seventh-day,  the  seventh,  about  three  o'clock  this 
morning  we  went  on  board  a  sloop  and  set  sail  for  the 
island  of  Nantucket,  where  we  landed  about  four  the 
same  afternoon.  We  continued  on  this  island  about 
three  weeks,  constantly  attending  meetings  with  friends 
on  their  meeting  days,  had  several  public  meetings  for 
those  not  professing  with  us,  and  also  visited  many  fa- 
milies ;  and  although  we  found  it  a  low  time  with  friends 
generally,  so  that  much  inward  exercise  and  deep  wad- 
ing was  my  lot,  during  most  of  the  time,  yet  I  was  often 
opened  and  enlarged  amongst  them  in  gospel  authority, 
to  the  tendering  of  many  hearts  both  in  public  and  private 
opportunities. — At  length  that  deep  inward  travail  of 
spirit  and  covering  of  sackcloth,  which  had  been  so  much 
my  clothing  since  we  landed,  seemed  to  be  taken  away  ; 
so  that  on  the  twenty-eighth,  we  took  leave  of  friends 
early  in  the  morning,  set  sail  for  the  continent  and  being 
favoured  with  a  fine  passage,  we  landed  safely  at  New 
Bedford  the  same  afternoon,  and  next  day  being  the  first 
of  the  week  we  attended  both  the  meetings  here  to 
satisfaction;  and  on  second  and  third-days  we  visited 
several  families  of  friends,  in  some  of  which  we  were 
favoured  with  precious  opportunities  to  our  comfort 
and  rejoicing. 

Fourth-day,  eleventh  month  first,  we  had  a  blessed 
meeting  at  Acushnet  about  four  miles  from  New  Bed- 
ford, with  the  few  friends  there,  William  Rotch,  senior, 
and  his  wife,  and  several  other  friends  from  this  town 
being  with  us.  Fifth-day,  attended  the  week-day  meet- 
ing at  New  Bedford  to  solid  satisfaction,  and  on  sixth- 


48 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


day  had  an  appointed  meeting  at  New  Town,  and  an- 
other next  day  at  Aponyganset,  both  pretty  large,  and 
favoured,  the  last  eminently  so,  wherein  the  great  name 
was  exalted  and  praised  ;  many  present  were  humbled 
and  bowed  under  a  sense  thereof,  and  at  the  conclusion 
of  the  meeting,  withdrew  with  great  solemnit}% 

First-day,  the  fifth,  attended  both  the  meetings  at  New 
Bedford  again,  which  were  blessed  opportunities, 
through  the  arising  and  overspreading  of  divine  power 
and  love.  Second-day,  sixth,  had  a  public  meeting  for 
the  town's  people  which  was  also  a  solid,  good  meeting ; 
we  had  likewise  several  favoured  opportunities  in  fa- 
milies. Third-day  the  seventh,  had  an  appointed  meet- 
ing at  Long  Plain,  in  which  I  was  led  to  treat  pretty 
largely  on  the  Babylonish  captivity,  where  mention  is 
made  of  the  affecting  situation  of  the  people  when  they 
sat  beside  the  waters  and  wept  in  remembrance  of  Zion, 
with  their  harps  hanging  on  the  willows,  not  able  to  sing 
the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land.  This  was  a  solemn 
time,  wherein  there  was  much  weeping  and  brokenness 
in  the  meeting,  and  some  friends  seemed  almost  astonish- 
ed at  the  testimony  1  had  to  bear,  and  informed  me  af- 
terwards that  a  member,  and  one  reputed  a  minister,  be- 
longing to  that  meeting  had  imbibed  principles  contrary 
to  the  well  known  doctrines  held  by  Friends  from  the 
beginning,  and  had  drawn  away  a  number  after  him  to 
the  great  confusion  and  dividing  of  the  meeting,  and  to 
the  distress  of  friends.  Fourth-day  the  eighth,  we  were 
at  a  poor  small  meeting  at  Centre,  the  next  day  at 
Acushnet  preparative  meeting,  and  the  day  following 
at  a  meeting  at  Little  Compton,  the  last  two  to  pretty 
good  satisfaction.  We  rode  about  five  miles  to  Jeremiah 
Austin's,  and  on  seventh-day  had  a  public  meeting  at 
this  place  to  good  satisfaction ;  after  this  we  took  our 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


49 


solemn  leave  of  friends  there,  and  got  to  Tiverton  that 
night;  and  on  first-day,  the  twelfth,  rode  about  eight 
miles  in  the  morning,  and  attended  a  meeting  at  Swan- 
zey,  which  I  sat  through  in  silence  ;  then  riding  about 
eighteen  miles  further,  we  got  to  Moses  Brown's  at 
Providence,  where  we  spent  most  of  nest  day  in  writ- 
ing letters,  (fee.  On  third-day  we  were  at  their  Meet- 
ing for  Sufferings,  and  on  fourth-day  at  a  meeting  at 
Smithfield,  about  six  miles  from  Providence,  in  which  I 
had  some  close  searching  labour,  and  left  it  with  a  quiet 
mind  and  returned  to  Moses  Brown's.  Fifth-day,  six- 
teenth, attended  the  week  day  meeting  at  Providence, 
which  was  a  blessed  heart-tendering  opportunity.  Next 
morning  we  took  leave  of  our  friends  and  set  out  for 
Hartford,  where  we  arrived  just  in  time  to  get  to  their 
little  meeting  on  first-day  morning ;  we  also  attended 
that  held  in  the  afternoon,  both  which  were  favoured 
seasons. 

Second-day  we  rested,  and  on  third-day  appointed  a 
meeting  in  the  city  of  Hartford,  which  was  attended  by 
but  few  of  the  towns-people.  Fourth-day,  twenty-se- 
cond, attended  the  mid-week  meeting  at  Hartford, 
which  was  a  solid,  good  time,  several  not  professing 
with  us  being  present. 

Apprehending  ourselves  clear  of  this  place,  we  pro- 
ceeded towards  Oblong,  and  prosecuted  our  journey 
through  much  difficulty,  occasioned  by  the  frost  and 
snow,  and  were  at  no  meeting  until  first-day,  when  we 
attended  Friend?'  meeting  at  a  place  called  the  Branch, 
near  Oblong,  and  in  the  state  of  New  York,  which  was 
a  pretty  solid  opportunity.  Rode  that  afternoon  to  Ob- 
long, and  next  day  had  a  meeting  there,  which  was  a 
season  of  much  close  exercise:  it  seemed  to  me  as 
though  most  of  the  people  there  had  neither  ears  to  hear, 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


nor  hearts  to  believe,  or  to  receive  the  heavenly  dew  ; 
and  my  nnind  was  so  impressed  with  a  state  of  obdura- 
cy and  hard-heartedness,  that  at  length  I  cried  out  in 
prayer  and  supplication,  and  then  felt  relief.  With  a 
heart  melted  into  tenderness  I  left  them,  and  rode  that 
afternoon  to  Daniel  Haviland's,  where  we  lodged.  On 
third-day  attended  a  meeting  at  the  Valley ;  fourth-day 
at  Peachpond,  and  on  fifth-day  a  preparative  meeting  at 
Bedford ;  the  first  two  were  exercising  and  laborious, 
yet  to  some  relief,  but  the  last  was  a  highly  favoured 
opportunity,  wherein  our  spirits  seemed  generally  melt- 
ed into  tenderness  before  the  Lord — glory  to  his  name 
forever !  After  this  precious  "meeting  we  rode  about 
fifteen  miles  on  our  way  towards  ISew  York,  though 
the  weather  was  extremely  cold,  and  arrived  there  next 
day,  being  sixth-day,  the  first  of  twelfth  month. 

On  first-day,  the  third,  we  attended  the  fore  and  af- 
ternoon meetings  in  the  city,  which  were  crowned  with 
the  overshadowing  of  Divine  power,  to  the  humbling 
and  melting  down  of  the  souls  of  many,  especially 
among  the  young  people,  of  whom  there  was  a  large 
number  present :  it  was  a  day  which  1  trust  will  not 
soon  be  forgotten  by  many  of  us,  especially  the  after- 
noon meeting,  at  the  conclusion  of  which,  prayer  and 
praises  ascended  unto  Him,  whose  is  the  kingdom, 
the  power  and  the  glory,  forever,  amen. 

After  this  last  mentioned  meeting,  1  felt  much  spent 
and  almost  faint,  and  having  previously  taken  some  cold 
which  was  now  renewed,  I  was  considerably  unwell, 
but  blessed  be  the  Lord,  I  had  sweet  peace  of  mind. 
I  continued  poorly  until  fourth-day,  the  sixth,  when  I  at- 
tended the  monthly  meeting  in  the  city,  in  which  I  was 
silent  and  felt  relieved  :  on  fifth-day  we  left  New  York 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


il 


and  got  to  Rahway  that  evening,  and  on  seventh-day 
reached  Burlington,  and  lodged  at  John  Hoskins'. 

First-day,  tenth.  We  attended  the  meeting  of  Friends 
here,  in  which  1  was  also  silent,  and  next  day,  notwith- 
standing I  was  very  low  in  my  mind,  and  had  been  so 
most  of  the  time  since  we  left  New  York,  1  concluded 
to  proceed  to  Philadelphia,  but  when  we  got  to  the 
Delaware  river  opposite  the  city,  there  was  so  much 
ice  in  it,  that  we  could  not  get  our  horses  over,  so  we 
were  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  them,  and  with 
much  difficulty  worked  our  way  through  the  ice,  and 
got  into  the  city  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
where  we  were  again  kindly  received  by  our  friends. 

Third-day,  twelfth.  Attended  the  week  day  meeting 
at  the  North  meeting  house,  which  was  large,  and  1  felt 
very  poor  and  stripped  at  sitting  down,  and  sat  a  consi- 
derable time  in  much  weakness  and  fear,  especially  as 
I  was  amongst  so  many  worthy  fathers  and  mothers  as 
were  then  present,  but  the  Lord,  who  can  raise  the  poor 
as  from  the  dunghill,  and  set  them  among  the  princes, 
was  pleased  to  raise  up  my  poor  soul  this  day,  and  en- 
large my  heart  in  the  love  of  the  gospel,  to  my  humble 
admiration,  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  friends.  Dear 
Samuel  Emlen  said,  he  had  been  made  to  rejoice  in  the 
Lord,  that  day,  for  the  offers  of  his  salvation :  it  was 
indeed  the  Lord's  doing,  who  is  our  strength  in  weak- 
ness, our  riches  in  poverty,  and  our  present  help  in  (he 
needful  time — blessed  be  his  holy  name  forever. 

Fourth-day,  we  attended  Pine  street  meeting,  which 
was  a  solid,  good  time  :  fifth-day,  we  were  at  Market 
street  meeting,  which  was  pretty  large,  and  here  I  was 
again  raised  up  in  the  authority  of  Truth,  to  stand  as  a 
monument  of  adorable  mercy,  to  the  humble  rejoicing 
of  many.  In  the  afternoon,  being  accompanied  by  Sam- 


52 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1797. 


uel  Emlen,  James  Pemberton,  and  some  others,  we 
went  to  the  prison  to  visit  a  criminal  who  •was  under 
sentence  of  death  for  murder,  and  the  time  appointed 
for  execution  was  near  at  hand.  The  opportunity  was 
truly  humbling  to  my  mind  :  I  was  opened  on  the  aw- 
ful subject  of  the  two  malefactors  who  were  crucified 
by  the  side  of  our  Saviour,  and  of  their  dispositions  as 
appeared  from  their  speeches  on  the  cross,  and  this  poor 
man  was  earnestly  recommended  to  the  example  of 
the  last.  Next  day  we  attended  the  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings ;  and  the  day  following  a  committee  of  Congress, 
with  some  friends  appointed  by  the  yearly  meeting,  to 
present  a  memorial  respecting  the  abolition  of  slavery  : 
in  the  evening  we  had  a  religious  opportunity  with  some 
young  people  at  a  friend's  house. 

First-day,  seventeenth.  In  the  morning  we  attended 
the  Market  street  meeting,  which  was  a  time  of  favour, 
and  in  the  afternoon  a  meeting  with  the  prisoners  in  the 
state  prison,  there  being  at  that  time  about  two  hun- 
dred of  them  :  they  sat  very  orderly  and  attentive,  and 
that  same  poor  man  whom  we  had  previously  visited 
was  also  brought  into  the  meeting,  he  having  obtained 
from  the  governor  a  respite  for  one  week  :  it  was  a  time 
to  be  remembered  with  thankfulness  ;  the  prisoners 
seemed  generally  humbled,  and  several  of  them  broken 
into  tears;  the  meeting  concluded  in  prayer,  and  the 
solemnity  which  prevailed  was  to  my  humbling  admira- 
tion. In  the  evening  we  were  at  the  large  meeting 
at  Market  street,  which  on  the  evening  of  this  day  is 
attended  by  friends  from  the  other  districts,  and  also  by 
a  number  not  professing  with  us :  it  was  a  very  large, 
crowded  meeting,  and  proved  to  be  a  time  of  favour, 
divine  good  being  near  us,  and  it  concluded  with  great 
solemnity. 


1797.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


63 


Second-day,  eighteenth.  Attended  the  second  day's 
morning  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders,  and  in  the 
evening  went  to  a  meeting  of  young  women  who  had 
formed  themselves  into  a  society  for  the  benevolent  pur- 
pose of  relieving  the  poor,  sick  and  aged  of  their  own 
sex  in  this  city.  After  they  had  gone  through  with  the 
business  of  the  evening,  a  solemn  pause  took  place,  and 
this  little  meeting  was  eminently  owned  with  the  over- 
shadowing of  Divine  good,  greatly  to  the  comfort  and 
encouragement  of  the  young  people  in  their  present  ar- 
duous undertaking  \  the  opportunity  concluded  with 
solemn  prayer  and  supplication,  and  we  went  on  our 
way  rejoicing. 

Third-day,  attended  the  preparative  meeting  at  the 
North  meeting-house,  and  on  fourth-day  that  at  Pine 
street,  in  both  which  1  was  silent,  while  others  were  en- 
gaged in  public  labour.  Fifth-day  was  at  meeting  at 
Market  street  to  satisfaction,  and  in  the  evening  visited 
a  black  school :  sixth  and  seventh-days  were  spent  most- 
ly in  social  visits  to  satisfaction.  First-day  the  twenty- 
fourth,  attended  three  meetings  in  this  city,  in  all  of 
which  1  was  silent,  as  also  next  day  in  the  morning  meet- 
ing of  ministers  and  elders,  and  my  desire  is  that  I  may 
be  preserved  in  a  holy  watchfulness  and  resignation, 
either  to  do  or  to  suffer,  according  to  the  will  and  direc- 
tion of  my  gracious  Master,  so  that  he  will  but  be  pleased 
to  show  me  what  to  do,  and  what  to  leave  undone. 

Third-day,  twenty-sixth.  Attended  the  monthly  meet- 
ing for  the  Northern  District,  which  was  large,  a  num- 
ber of  solid  friends  from  different  parts  of  the  country 
being  there,  it  was  a  blessed  time  to  me  and  many  more  ; 
I  was  again  raised  from  a  very  low  estate  and  set  as 
among  the  princes  of  the  people,  it  was  of  the  Lord 
and  not  of  man,  therefore  1  rejoice  with  trembling  ;  the 


64 


JOXJKNAL  OF 


[1798. 


meeting  concluded  in  solemn  supplication  in  a  power- 
ful manner  by  Jacob  Lindley,  and  broke  with  great  so- 
lemnity, and  the  harmony  was  like  the  pouring  forth  of 
precious  oil. 

Fourth-day,  twenty-seventh.  Attended  the  monthly 
meeting  at  Pine  street,  which  was  not  so  large,  and  more 
laborious,  than  the  preceding  one.  I  was  engaged  to  go 
and  sit  awhile  in  the  women's  apartment,  where  I  was 
pretty  largely  opened  in  testimony  to  my  great  satisfac- 
tion. Fifth-day,  the  twenty-eighth,  attended  the  pre- 
parative meeting  at  Market  street,  which  was  a  solid 
time ;  and  on  sixth-day  the  monthly  meeting  of  Phi- 
ladelphia held  at  the  Fourth  street  meeting-house,  which 
was  also  a  favoured  season.  Seventh-day,  the  thirtieth, 
being  unwell  I  staid  mostly  at  our  lodgings,  and  on  first- 
day  we  attended  the  North  meeting  in  the  morning. 
Pine  street  in  the  afternoon,  and  a  large  meeting  in  the 
evening  at  Market  street,  in  all  of  which  I  was  pretty 
largely  opened  in  testimony,  especially  the  last :  dear 
Peter  Yarnall  concluded  this  meeting  in  supplication, 
and  the  end  w^as  crowned  with  great  solemnity. 

Second-day,  first  of  first  month,  1 798,  we  attended  the 
morning  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders,  where  I  was 
opened  on  the  subject  of  Gospel  ministry  ;  it  was  a  heart- 
tendering  season,  and  tended  greatly  to  the  relief  of  my 
mind.  This  was  the  last  meeting  we  were  at  in  the 
city,  and  we  returned  to  our  lodgings  with  thankful 
hearts,  blessed  be  the  Lord  therefor.  On  third-day 
morning,  several  friends  came  to  see  us  and  we  had  a 
precious  parting  opportunity,  and  then  took  our  solemn 
leave  in  near  affection,  and  went  to  Concord  that  day  : 
next  day  attended  the  monthly  meeting  there,  and  rode 
to  Wilmington  the  same  evening,  and  on  fifth-day  attend- 
ed the  preparative  meeting  there.    I  felt  very  poor,  low 


1798.] 


EICIIARD  JORDAN. 


66 


and  almost  dejected,  and  so  went  to  this  meeting,  but 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  through  the  renewing 
of  his  goodness,  it  was  a  season  of  comfort  and  rejoicing. 
The  following  day  we  went  towards  Baltimore,  though 
there  was  so  much  snow  and  ice  that  we  found  consi- 
derable difficulty  in  crossing  the  Susquehannah  ;  but  we 
got  safely  over  on  the  ice,  where  it  was  more  than  a 
mile  wide.  First-day,  the  seventh,  we  attended  a  small 
meeting  at  Bush  to  good  satisfaction,  and  on  second-day 
reached  Baltimore.  In  our  way  we  met  with  some  In- 
dian chiefs  who  seemed  glad  to  see  us,  there  being  a 
particularly  good  understanding  between  Friends  and 
the  natives  :  we  understood  they  were  going  to  Congress 
with  some  complaint  of  grievance  :  there  was  something 
in  their  countenances  which  appeared  serious,  but  their 
interpreter  being  at  this  time  behind,  I  could  not  speak 
to  them,  though  they  all  stopped  and  held  out  their 
hands  to  me  in  token  of  friendship.  Truly  under  the 
awful  clothing  of  my  spirit  at  that  time,  I  was  ready  to 
cry  out,  O  America,  America ;  how  wilt  thou  atone  for 
the  injuries  thou  hast  done  to  this  people  and  to  those  of 
the  nations  of  Africa?  Hath  not  the  universal  Father 
of  mankind  testified,  "  with  what  measure  ye  mete,  it 
shall  be  measured  to  you  again."  O  thou  land  of  my 
nativity,  how  wilt  thou  be  able  to  stand,  when  He  who 
hears  from  heaven  the  cries  and  grievances  of  the  un- 
justly afflicted  and  oppressed,  shall  arise  to  plead  their 
cause.  Oh,  for  thee  I  tremble,  when  I  see  clouds,  thick 
clouds,  arising  over  thee  and  gathering  blackness. 

Third  and  fourth-days,  I  went  not  much  out  from  my 
lodgings,  being  poorly,  and  also  low  in  my  mind,  though 
I  was  not  quite  idle,  but  was  employed  part  of  the  time 
in  writing  letters,  &,c.  Fifth-day,  eleventh,  attended 
the  monthly  meeting  here  without  much  relief,  and  not 


66 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1798. 


seeing  my  way  out  of  the  city  nor  yet  to  appoint  any 
public  meeting :  on  first-day  we  attended  the  two  meet- 
ings of  Friends,  in  both  of  which  I  was  pretty  largely 
opened  in  testimony  in  a  close  searching  manner,  espe- 
cially in  the  afternoon,  when  dear  Mary  Mifflin  being 
present,  concluded  the  meeting  with  solemn  prayer. 
After  this  I  seemed  to  feel  in  a  good  degree  relieved 
with  respect  to  my  own  mind  and  concluded  we  might 
leave  Baltimore ;  accordingly  on  second-day,  the  fif- 
teenth, we  took  our  leave  of  friends,  and  went  on  our 
way  as  far  as  Ellicott's  mills,  and  the  weather  being 
very  rainy  and  the  waters  high,  we  did  not  get  away 
until  fourth-day,  when  we  attended  their  week-day  meet- 
ing at  Elkridge  to  solid  satisfaction :  fifth-day,  we  attend- 
ed the  preparative  meeting  at  Indian  Spring,  and  next 
day  a  monthly  meeting  at  the  same  place,  to  which  the 
friends  of  Elkridge  and  Sandy  Spring  belong:  these 
were  both  favoured  opportunities,  many  not  professing 
with  us  attending  in  the  morning  of  each  day,  that  is  to 
say,  during  the  part  of  each  meeting  spent  in  worship  ; 
to  these  the  gospel  was  freely  preached  and  they  with- 
drew in  a  solid  manner. 

On  seventh-day,  the  nineteenth,  we  got  to  Alexandria, 
and  the  day  following  attended  two  meetings  there,  both 
laborious  and  exercising  to  me,  yet  1  hope  profitable  to 
some.  I  left  them  rather  low  in  my  mind  and  next  day 
we  got  to  Occoquan,  and  had  a  public  meeting  there 
the  day  after,  which  was  also  laborious  and  not  to  much 
relief,  the  people's  hearts  seeming  to  be  hard.  Fourth- 
day  and  fifth-day,  we  got  to  Caroline,  and  our  friend 
David  Brooks  of  North  Carolina,  having  arrived  there 
just  before  us,  in  the  course  of  a  religious  visit,  had  ap- 
pointed a  meeting  to  be  held  at  Caroline  meeting-house 
next  day,  which  we  attended;  it  was  nearly  silent. 


1798.] 


EICIIAED  JORDAN. 


57 


We  went  that  evening  to  Pleasant  Terrill's  and  it  came 
on  so  very  rainy  and  snowy  that  we  staid  there  all  night 
and  next  day,  and  on  first-day  set  off  for  Cedar  Creek,  but 
the  snow  and  water  so  abounded  on  the  earth  that  we  did 
not  reach  it  in  lime  for  meeting ;  so  we  stopped  at  a 
friend's  house,  and  on  the  morrow  went  to  Genito,  where 
we  had  an  appointed  meeting,  the  day  following,  to 
satisfaction.  Fourth-day,  the  thirtj'-first,  we  got  to 
Richmond  and  had  an  appointed  meeting  there  also  sa- 
tisfactory, then  went  to  Curies  and  tarried  with  Robert 
Pleasants.  Sixth-day,  second  of  second  month,  attend- 
ed the  preparative  meeting  at  White  Oak  Swamp,  and 
on  seventh  and  first-days  were  at  the  monthly  and  gene- 
ral meetings  at  the  same  place,  and  also  a  meeting  of 
ministers  and  elders,  in  the  afternoon  of  first-day;  all  of 
which  were  seasons  of  favour,  though  the  testimony 
went  forth  in  a  close  searching  manner,  especially  in  the 
general  meeting;  may  it  have  the  desired  effect,  but 
this  we  must  leave  to  the  Lord. 

Our  next  meetings  were  at  Curies,  Petersburgh,  Gra- 
velly Run,  and  so  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Black 
Water,  most  of  which  were  exercising,  laborious  sea- 
sons. Here  my  companion  and  I  parted,  after  being  to- 
gether about  eleven  months ;  he  returning  home  by  way 
of  Western  Branch,  I  went  to  my  brother  Benjamin's 
in  Southampton,  staid  with  him  a  day  or  two,  and  at- 
tended their  week  day  meeting  to  satisfaction.  On  fifth- 
day,  the  fifteenth,  I  reached  home,  and  found  my  dear 
wife  and  little  family  well,  and  things  as  to  the  out- 
ward, better  than  I  expected,  considering  my  long  ab- 
sence, for  which  I  was  thankful  in  heart  to  Him  who 
hath  graciously  promised,  that  neither  grace  nor  glory, 
nor  any  good  thing,  shall  be  withheld  from  those  who 
faithfully  serve  him :  May  I  henceforth  be  enabled  to 


58 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1798. 


serve  Him  more  fully  and  unreservedly,  yea  worship 
and  adore  Him  with  my  whole  heart,  even  to  the  end, 
that  so  no  other  beloved  may  have  the  preference  in 
my  heart,  which  ought  to  be  his  temple.  Amen. 

In  this  journey  I  was  from  home  about  eleven  months, 
and  travelled  upwards  of  three  thousand  miles.  Sixth- 
day,  sixteenth,  being  the  next  day  after  my  arrival  at 
home,  fell  the  greatest  snow  that  I  remember  to  have 
seen  in  North  Carolina. 

Third-day,  twentieth  of  third  month.  Mostly  dis- 
agreeable weather  since  my  return  home,  and  the  state 
of  my  mind  much  resembling  it,  so  that  I  have  scarcely 
seen  one  fair  day,  neither  have  I  opened  my  mouth  in 
one  of  our  meetings  since  my  return,  but  my  spirit  has 
been  almost  continually  covered  with  inward  exercise 
and  mourning,  for  what  cause  I  have  not  been  favoured 
fully  to  see  ;  therefore,  oh,  my  God,  be  thou  pleased  to 
draw  near  to  my  poor  soul  in  this  time  of  trial,  and  sus- 
tain nne,  that  so  I  may  not  cast  away  my  confidence  in 
thee;  for  1  desire  yet  to  trust  in  the  secret  arm  of  thy 
power  for  preservation  and  support  from  day  to  day. 

First-day,  eighth  of  fourth  month.  This  day  I  was 
opened  in  testimony  for  the  first  time  in  our  meeting 
since  my  return  home  ;  but  "  although  1  speak  my  grief 
is  not  assuaged,"  for  though  my  opening  was  with  a 
good  degree  of  clearness,  yet  my  sorrows  have  returned 
upon  me.  Lord,  increase  my  faith,  and  also  my  pa- 
tience, that  I  faint  not  under  these  proving  conflicts, 
that  so  I  may  be  enabled  to  hold  out  to  the  end  ! — Six- 
teenth, seventeenth  and  eighteenth,  cold,  blasting  winds, 
and  consuming  frosts,  cut  off  the  fruits,  and  caused  much 
of  the  tender  vegetation  to  wither ;  thus,  it  is  evident, 
that  the  Father  of  mercies  is  repeatedly  informing  our 
senses,  and  our  understandings,  that  we  are  entirely  de- 


1798.] 


RICHARD  JORDAX. 


69 


pendent  on  his  goodness  and  mercy,  for  every  temporal 
as  well  as  spiritual  blessing. 

Nineteenth  and  twentieth  of  fifth  month  :  had  a  pret- 
ty open  time  in  testimony  both  at  our  monthly  and  ge- 
neral meetings,  which  had  been  the  case  a  few  times 
previous ;  I  also  attended  our  quarterly  meeting  in  this 
month,  which  was,  through  divine  favour,  a  solid,  good 
meeting;  and  was  at  a  burial  the  next  day  after  the 
quarterly  meeting,  several  miles  on  my  way  home, 
which  was  a  solid  time,  and  I  returned  home  with  a 
good  degree  of  peace  and  satisfaction  of  mind. 

First  of  eighth  month.  I  have  continued  mostly  about 
home  since  our  quarterly  meeting,  and  now  Gervase 
Johnson,  a  friend  from  Ireland,  being  here  on  a  religi- 
ous visit,  I  concluded  to  accompany  him  to  a  few  meet- 
ings, which  I  did,  both  in  the  lower  part  of  this  state, 
and  a  few  within  the  borders  of  Virginia,  which  on  the 
whole  was  to  pretty  good  satisfaction.  I  returned 
home  with  a  fever  on  me,  which  I  had  not  been  clear 
of  for  several  days;  it  increased  to  a  severe  attack  of 
the  bilious  kind,  which  proved  tedious,  and  confined 
me  at  home  until  about  the  time  of  our  yearly  meeting 
in  the  tenth  month,  which  I  attended,  though  very 
weakly  ;  yet  I  was  glad  I  was  there,  for  although  some 
of  the  first  sittings  were  truly  suffering  seasons,  on  the 
whole,  it  was  a  solid,  good  yearly  meeting,  for  which 
my  soul  bowed  and  worshipped  before  Him  who  has 
thus  graciously  continued  his  care  and  loving  kindness 
to  us  poor  creatures,  who  are  unworthy  of  such  dignified 
favours.  May  it  prove  a  powerful  incitement  to  us  to 
love  him  more,  and  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation 
whereunto  he  hath  been  pleased  to  call  us. 

Soon  after  this  yearly  meeting,  I  attended  our  slate 
legislature,  in  company  with  some  other  friends  ap- 


60 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1799 


pointed  by  the  yearly  meeting  to  present  a  remonstrance 
and  petition  on  behalf  of  the  oppressed  Africans ;  after 
which  I  continued  about  home,  almost  continually  co- 
vered with  gloom,  temptations,  inward  exercise  and  tri- 
bulation, until  I  almost  loathed  myself  and  all  around 
me,  and  this  both  in  meetings  and  out  of  meetings,  so 
that  my  faith  has  well  nigh  failed  me.  Oh  Lord,  reach 
forth  thine  hand  and  preserve  me,  while  I  am  endea- 
vouring to  come  unto  thee  on  this  sea  of  trouble,  that 
my  poor  soul  sink  not  in  the  depths  thereof,  that  1  may 
yet  live  to  praise  thee  for  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies  ! 
Amen. 

Third  month,  sixteenth,  1799.  At  our  monthly  meet- 
ing, I  have  now,  after  passing  through  many  deep  bap- 
tisms, and  sore  conflicts  of  mind,  resigned  myself  up  to 
the  prospect  of  visiting  some  parts  of  Europe,  and  this 
day  laid  my  concern  before  the  meeting.  Several  solid 
friends  from  other  monthly  meetings  happened  to  be  pre- 
sent, which  I  esteemed  a  favour:  it  was  a  memorable 
baptising  season  with  friends,  many  in  the  meeting  being 
melted  into  tenderness  and  tears.  After  this  I  felt  my 
mind  brought  into  a  remarkable  calmness  and  serenity, 
even  beyond  expression,  and  my  burden  much  lighten- 
ed. 

In  the  fifth  month,  I  attended  the  quarterly  meeting 
at  Western  Branch  in  Virginia,  as  also  their  yearly 
meeting,  held  this  year  on  the  north  side  of  James'  Ri- 
ver, and  returned  home  with  peace  of  mind;  praises 
and  thanksgiving  to  Him  who  thus  leadeth  about  and  in- 
structeth  in  the  way  of  peace ! — 1  staid  mostly  about 
home  until  the  eighth  month,  when  I  attended  the 
monthly  meeting  of  Jack  Swamp,  and  being  under  an 
appointment  in  our  yearly  meeting  with  some  other 
friends,  to  visit  our  select  members  in  their  families,  I 


1800.] 


RICUABD  JORDAN. 


Gl 


attended  to  that  appointment  with  another  friend  or  two, 
in  the  counties  of  Northampton,  Chowan  and  Perquim- 
mons,  also  attended  our  quarterly  meeting  at  Weil's  ; 
and  having  obtained  a  certificate  from  our  monthly 
meeting,  expressive  of  their  unity  and  concurrence  with 
me,  in  my  concern  to  visit  Europe,  I  laid  the  same  be- 
fore the  quarterly  meeting,  and  obtained  their  endorse- 
ment to  the  same  purport,  with  much  unanimity  and 
near  sympathy,  insomuch  that  it  was  an  heart-tendering 
season,  and  tended  much  to  my  encouragement. 

In  the  latter  end  of  the  tenth  month,  1  attended  our 
yearly  meeting,  held  this  year  at  New  Garden,  where  I 
also  revived  my  concern  to  visit  Europe  in  the  meeting 
of  ministers  and  elders,  and  laid  my  certificates  from 
the  monthly  and  quarterly  meetings  before  them,  which 
obtained  the  attention  and  sympathy  of  the  meeting  in 
an  affecting  manner,  so  that  after  a  time  of  solid  delibera- 
tion, I  was  set  at  liberty  with  much  brokenness  and 
tears  of  near  fellow  feeling,  for  which  my  soul  was  bow- 
ed, and  we  worshipped  together.  Having  obtained  a 
certificate  from  this  meeting,  and  attended  the  several 
sittings  of  the  yearly  meeting  to  satisfaction,  I  returned 
home,  where  1  staid  pretty  much,  except  the  attendance 
of  our  own  meetings,  until  the  eleventh  month,  when  I 
was  at  our  quarterly  meeting  at  Finey  Woods,  and  in 
the  twelfth  month  attended  the  monthly  meeting  of 
Jack  Swamp. 

First  month,  twenty-sixth,  1 800.  Having  felt  an  en- 
gagement to  visit  some  people  not  professing  with  us, 
in  the  upper  part  of  this  county  and  at  Halifax,  espe- 
cially among  the  higher  classes  and  those  in  authority, 
and  having  liberty  of  our  meeting  so  to  do,  accompanied 
by  a  member  thereof,  we  visited  General  Allen  Jones, 
in  the  upper  part  of  this  county,  and  had  a  public  meet- 


62 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1800. 


iiig  near  his  house,  which  was  large  ;  the  people  behaved 
soberly,  and  seemed  glad  of  the  opportunity  ;  the  gene- 
ral and  his  wife  were  very  kind  and  attentive  to  us, 
and  his  son-in-law,  William  R.  Davie,  being  one  of  the 
ambassadors  sent  over  at  this  time  by  our  government, 
in  order  to  negotiate  a  treaty  with  France,  and  the  ge- 
neral knowing  of  my  intention  of  going  to  Europe,  gave 
me  letters  to  the  ambassador  in  case  I  should  stand  in 
need  of  his  assistance,  it  being  a  time  of  war  between 
England  and  France.  I  accepted  his  kindness,  which 
I  believe  was  providential,  for  a  treaty  was  happily  ne- 
gotiated between  France  and  the  United  States,  and 
these  letters  proved  of  singular  service  to  me  after- 
wards. 

We  also  went  to  Halifax,  and  lodged  with  one  of  the 
judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  who  had  married  one 
of  the  general's  daughters,  and  we  found  great  openness 
and  kind  attention  with  them  :  we  had  a  public  meet- 
ing in  the  town,  to  which  came  a  number  of  people  of 
note,  and  among  them  the  judge  and  his  wife ;  many 
seemed  to  be  humbled,  and  a  number  broken  into  tears. 
After  this  highly  favoured  meeting,  we  dined  with  the 
judge,  after  which  we  parted  with  them,  and  I  returned 
home  with  the  answer  of  solid  peace. 

Soon  after  this,  John  Hall  from  England,  who,  with 
his  companion,  was  on  a  religious  visit  southward,  came 
to  our  house,  and  tarried  to  rest  a  few  days,  and  be  at 
our  monthly  meeting :  this  was  time  very  agreeably, 
and  1  trust  not  unprofitably  spent;  it  indeed  proved 
very  strengthening  and  encouraging  to  my  dear  wife, 
who  was  so  soon  to  part  with  me  for  so  long  a  journey. 

Having  been  favoured,  as  I  apprehended,  to  see  the 
right  time  for  my  setting  out,  it  was  fixed  to  be  on  the 
twentieth  of  second  month,  and  the  solemn  time  arrived 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


63 


only  about  two  days  after  we  parted  with  these  dear 
friends :  it  was  a  memorable  day ;  a  number  of  my  friends 
and  neighbours  came  to  see  me,  and  take  their  leave,  and 
after  ^  religious  opportunity  together,  I  took  my  solemn 
leave  of  them,  and  set  out  on  my  journey,  being  accom- 
panied by  my  dear  wife,  and  several  of  our  friends,  as 
far  as  the  Western  Branch,  in  Virginia,  which  is  about 
sixty  miles.  Here  we  attended  their  monthly  meeting 
on  the  twenty-second,  which  was  a  time  of  favour, 
though  the  testimony  went  forth  in  a  close,  searching 
manner ;  we  also  attended  their  meeting  on  first-day ; 
and  then  I  went  to  visit  some  of  my  relations,  and  staid 
to  their  meeting  on  fourth-day,  my  dear  wife  being  still 
with  me,  and  also  some  other  friends,  who  came  with 
us  from  home  on  a  visit  to  their  relations  in  these  parts. 

The  weather  being  very  rainy  and  snowy,  we  con- 
tinued about  the  Branch  until  seventh-day,  hrst  of  third 
month,  when  we  went  to  Robert  Jordan's  at  Suffolk, 
and  the  same  evening  to  Summerton ;  attended  their 
meeting  next  day,  and  on  third-day,  the  fourth,  after  a 
solid  opportunity  with  a  number  of  friends  who  came 
to  see  us,  1  took  a  solemn  and  affectionate  leave  of  my 
dear  wife,  and  of  other  friends  who  were  present,  and 
got  on  to  Black  Water  that  evening,  where  we  attend- 
ed their  week  day  meeting  next  day,  and  the  day  fol- 
lowing, not  feeling  easy  without  appointing  a  meeting 
at  the  same  place,  we  attended  it,  and  then  feeling  clear 
we  went  on  to  Burleigh.  Crossed  James'  River,  and 
were  at  Curies  meeting  next  day,  and  on  second-day, 
tenth,  got  to  Richmond,  and  visited  a  few  families  there: 
then  took  meetings  at  Cedar  Creek,  South  Land,  Goose 
Creek,  and  so  on  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Fairfax, 
where  we  met  our  friend  Daniel  Haviland,  from  New 
York  state,  who  had  been  on  a  religious  visit  to  the 


64 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1800. 


southward.  This  was  a  very  laborious,  exercising 
meeting  to  me,  but  1  was  favoured  to  leave  it  in  a  good 
degree  relieved,  and  I  hope  clear  of  the  place.  Our 
nest  meetings  were  Bush  Creek,  Pipe  Creek,  Monallen, 
Huntingdon,  Warrington,  Newberry,  and  so  to  York- 
town  in  Pennsylvania,  where  we  attended  two  meet- 
ings on  first-day  ;  staid  their  preparative  meeting  on 
fourth-day,  and  rode  about  ten  miles  that  evening. 
Crossed  the  Susquehanna  at  Wright's  ferry,  and  had  a 
little  meeting  in  Columbia  ;  from  thence  we  took  meet- 
ings at  Lancaster,  Lampeter,  Sadsbury,  East  Cain,  a 
monthly  meeting  at  Uwchlan,  and  another  at  Goshen, 
and  on  first-day,  the  thirteenth  of  fourth  month,  we  at- 
tended a  meeting  at  Springfield,  and  reached  Philadel- 
phia the  same  evening. 

Although  I  have  generally  made  but  short  notes  in 
this  journey  hitherto,  yet  I  may  now  remark  that  not- 
withstanding some  highly  favoured  seasons  have  been 
witnessed  in  the  course  thereof,  many  others  have  been 
attended  with  much  exercise,  deep  sutfering  and  inward 
travail  of  spirit,  and  sometimes  almost  discouragement, 
so  that  I  have  been  ready  to  compare  myself  to  Noah's 
dove  that  found  no  rest  to  the  sole  of  her  foot. 

Second-day,  fourteenth:  attended  the  msrning  meet- 
ing of  ministers  and  elders,  which  was  rather  alow  time  ; 
third-day,  was  at  the  week-day  meeting  at  the  North 
meeting-house  which  was  an  highly  favoured  season :  I 
also  attended  several  other  meetings  this  week  in  which 
I  was  silent,  except  a  youth's  meeting  on  sixth-day  even- 
ing. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  for  Penn- 
sylvania, New  Jersey,  &;c.  began  on  seventh-day,  which 
I  thought  was  the  largest  of  the  kind  1  ever  attended, 
but  it  was  rather  a  low  time,  iriay  it  tend  to  deepen  us, 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


65 


and  may  the  Lord  draw  near  to  us  in  all  the  further  sit- 
tings of  this  annual  assembly  to  the  comfort  of  our  souls 
and  to  the  exaltation  of  his  great  name.  The  public 
meetings  for  worship  on  first-day  at  Market  street  and 
North  meeting-houses,  were  very  large  •,  the  meeting 
for  discipline  began  on  second-day,  the  twenty-first,  and 
continued  by  adjournments  until  sixth-day  evening :  it 
was  very  large  and  many  weighty  and  interesting  sub- 
jects were  deliberated  on,  and  although  some  of  the  sit- 
tings were  not  so  lively  as  could  have  been  desired,  yet 
it  was  on  the  whole  a  time  of  favour,  and  concluded 
with  great  solemnity.  I  was  glad  that  1  was  there,  as  it 
was  a  time  of  deep  instruction  to  me,  though  I  did  not 
open  my  mouth  in  any  of  the  sittings,  until  the  last  day 
and  then  but  a  very  few  sentences ;  1  was  considerably 
opened  in  one  or  two  of  the  sittings  of  the  meeting  of 
ministers  and  elders,  I  believe  to  the  general  satisfaction 
of  friends,  and  much  to  the  relief  of  my  own  mind. 
First-day,  the  twenty-seventh,  attended  a  meeting  at 
Darby  seven  miles  from  this  city,  after  which  I  returned 
to  the  city  and  being  much  fatigued  and  somewhat  un- 
well, I  concluded  to  rest  a  few  days  in  order  to  re- 
cruit; accordingly  went  into  the  country  with  Nicholas 
Wain,  to  take  a  little  fresh  air  ;  afterwards  returned  to 
the  city  and  attended  meetings  in  course. 

Sixth-day,  eighth  of  fifth  month.  Having  been  pretty 
constantly  employed  in  attending  meetings  as  they  came 
in  course,  and  the  Quarterly  meeting  in  the  city  being 
also  now  over,  and  no  way  opening  for  me  to  take  my 
passage  from  this  port,  I  went  with  Samuel  Smith  to 
Bucks  county  about  twenty -two  miles  :  we  visited  se- 
veral families  of  friends  in  that  county  to  satisfaction, 
attended  a  meeting  at  Byberry  on  first-day  morning, 
and  returned  to  the  city  the  same  evening.  Seventh- 
F  2 


66 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1800. 


day,  seventeenth  :  went  in  company  with  several  friends, 
to  pay  a  visit  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  and 
had  a  religious  opportunity  with  him  and  his  wife,  which 
was  a  time  of  favour  and  they  expressed  their  satisfac- 
tion therewith,  and  thanked  us  for  the  visit. 

First-day,  the  eighteenth :  attended  Market  street 
meeting  in  the  morning,  and  in  the  afternoon  had  a  meet- 
ing in  the  state-prison  with  the  convicts  ;  three  of  them 
were  under  sentence  of  death  for  treason  and  insurrec- 
tion, who  were  also  brought  into  the  meeting ;  the  tes- 
timony and  doctrines  of  Truth  went  forth  freely  amongst 
them,  and  a  number  were  reached  and  some  affected 
under  the  power  thereof:  the  three  poor  criminals  afore- 
mentioned appeared  very  sober  and  attentive;  the  meet- 
ing concluded  much  to  our  satisfaction. 

Second-day,  attended  the  morning  meeting  of  minis- 
ters and  elders  which  was  a  blessed  opportunity,  and 
the  same  afternoon  1  took  my  leave  of  friends  here,  and 
set  out  for  New  York,  being  accompanied  by  my  valued 
friend  John  Parrish,  who  was  going  on  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meeting  there.  We  went  pretty  directly  on, 
taking  only  the  monthly  meeting  at  Rahway  in  our  way, 
and  got  to  New  York  on  sixth-day,  the  twenty-third  : 
Samuel  Smith  of  Philadelphia  having  obtained  certifi- 
cates in  order  to  visit  Ireland  and  some  other  parts  on 
the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic,  we  concluded  to  take  our 
passage  from  this  port  if  way  opened  for  it ;  and  in  or- 
der thereto,  some  friends  here  had  been  applied  to,  to 
endeavour  to  find  a  suitable  ship  for  our  purpose,  which 
they  had  done  and  agreed  for  conditionally ;  with  which 
we  were  well  satisfied  and  confirmed  it,  after  we  had  been 
on  board;  though  she  was  to  sail  so  soon  that  we  were 
doubtful  whether  it  would  afford  us  an  opportunity  of 
attending  the  yearly  meeting.    On  seventh-day,  the 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


67 


twenty-fourth,  the  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  be- 
gan, and  on  second-day,  the  meeting  for  business,  which 
continued  by  adjournments  until  second-day,  the  second 
of  sixth  month,  which  on  the  whole,  I  think  was  the 
most  solid  yearly  meeting  I  ever  attended,  which  was 
cause  of  humble  thankfulness  to  many.  We  were  fa- 
voured to  attend  these  precious  opportunities,  until  the 
last  day  of  the  yearly  meeting  just  as  it  was  sitting  down, 
we  were  ordered  on  board.  We  directly  went  into  both 
apartments,  men's  and  women's,  and  took  our  leave  of 
our  dear  friends  publicly,  which  was  a  very  affecting 
moment,  a  number  withdrew  and  came  after  us,  in  or- 
der to  see  us  embark ;  it  was  the  ship  Warren  of  New 
Bedford,  of  about  three  hundred  tons  burthen,  Jonathan 
Parker,  master.  When  we  got  to  the  wharf  she  was 
under  way  and  we  had  to  pursue  her  several  miles  by 
boat,  but  at  length  we  got  safely  onboard  and  bid  adieu 
to  our  dear  friends  ;  but  the  wind  soon  shifting  to  the 
eastward,  and  the  tide  also  making  against  us,  we  came 
to  anchor  near  Sandy  Hook  withm  sight  of  New  York, 
where  we  laid  that  night.  In  the  evening  just  as  we 
were  preparing  to  go  to  bed,  two  young  friends  came 
from  the  city,  and  brought  the  agreeable  news  of  the 
yearly  meeting's  making  a  peaceful  conclusion  that  af- 
ternoon, which  we  were  glad  to  hear,  our  minds  being 
much  with  them  ;  and  this  gave  us  another  opportunity 
of  letting  our  friends  know  how  we  were,  and  of  sending 
some  of  them  fresh  tokens  of  regard. 

Third-day,  third,  early  in  the  morning  they  weighed 
anchor  and  put  the  ship  under  way ;  we  have  a  fine 
breeze,  the  ship  sails  well,  and  we  are  fast  bidding  adieu 
to  our  American  shores,  I  feel  thankful  in  heart  for  the 
continuation  of  a  quiet,  peaceful  mind.  We  have  the 
company  of  our  friend  Gervase  Johnson,  and  three  other 


68 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1800. 


cabin  passengers  ;  held  meetings  in  the  cabin  every  first- 
day  to  satisfaction,  and  on  the  whole,  had  a  fine  passage 
of  thirty  days,  when  we  landed  safely  in  Liverpool,  glad 
and  thankful  in  heart  for  our  preservation  and  the  pri- 
vilege of  setting  our  feet  once  more  on  firm  ground. 
We  were  met  at  the  dock  by  our  kind  friend  Robert 
Benson,  who  took  us  to  his  house,  where  we  were  af- 
fectionately entertained  by  him  and  his  dear  wife,  who 
is  a  sweet  spirited  woman. 

And  now  I  can  hardly  help  remarking  a  little  on  my 
feelings  in  first  landing  in  this  country,  so  much  boasted 
of  for  freedom,  insomuch  that  if  a  man  of  any  nation,  or 
colour  whatever,  land  on  its  shores,  he  breathes  free 
air;  but  alas!  the  number  of  ships  we  had  met  going 
hence  to  Africa  for  slaves,  and  others  of  the  same  des- 
cription which  we  now  saw  laying  here,  employed  in 
that  abominable  and  inhuman  traflic,  was  so  great,  that 
when  my  foot  first  trod  on  English  ground,  the  thick 
darkness  and  distress  that  covered  my  mind  were  be- 
yond description.  I  was  afterwards  told  that  the  En- 
glish have  about  two  hundred  ships  employed  in  that 
trade,  chiefly  from  this  port ;  from  this  trade  many  draw 
their  great  riches  and  live  in  pride  and  luxury,  making 
their  boast  of  living  in  a  free  country,  while  thousands  of 
their  fellow  creatures  are  groaning  under  the  iron  hand  of 
oppression  through  their  means,  and  all  this,  it  seems,  is 
sanctioned  by  this  free  government,  and  even  in  its  own 
territories  abroad.  Alas !  will  God's  justice  sleep  for- 
ever? Surely  nay,  but  the  measure  of  their  iniquity 
must  be  filled,  and  then  his  judgment  will  be  poured 
out  upon  them,  and  on  all  the  nations  that  have  long 
wrought  abominations  before  him  ! 

The  next  day  after  we  landed  being  fifth-day,  the  third 
of  seventh  month,  we  attended  friends'  week-day  meet- 


1800.] 


KICHARD  JORDAN. 


69 


ing  in  this  town,  which  was  a  blessed  time,  wherein  the 
wrestling  seed  of  Jacob  was  raised  into  dominion,  and 
my  soul  was  enlarged  in  his  love  and  power  both  in  tes- 
timony and  supplication,  and  many  souls  with  mine, 
bowed  and  worshipped  him  who  is  Lord  over  all 
blessed  forevermore. 

Sixth-day,  Samuel  Smith  and  myself  being  both  un- 
well, staid  at  our  lodgings ;  seventh-day  being  a  little 
recruited,  we  visited  some  of  our  friends,  and  on  first- 
day  in  the  morning,  1  was  so  unwell  that  I  did  not  go  to 
meeting,  in  the  afternoon  feehng  better  attended,  and 
although  Truth  did  not  arise  so  much  into  dominion  as 
when  I  was  first  there,  yet  on  the  whole  it  was  a  time 
of  favour,  and  1  believed  of  renewed  visitation  to  some. 

Second-day,  seventh,  we  set  out  on  our  journey  to- 
wards Scotland,  going  by  the  way  of  Ormskirk  and 
Preston,  and  so  to  Lancaster,  about  fifty-four  miles  from 
Liverpool.  Third-day,  we  attended  a  monthly  meeting 
in  the  afternoon  at  this  place,  and  their  select  quarterly 
meeting  for  Lancashire  the  same  evening,  both  fa- 
voured opportunities.  Nest  day  we  attended  the  quar- 
terly meeting  for  business  at  the  same  place,  which  was 
a  day  not  soon  to  be  forgoften  ;  here  were  several 
friends  from  London  and  other  parts,  and  we  were 
sweetly  comforted  together  in  the  Lord  and  one  in  an- 
other, and  many  souls  bowed  and  worshipped  him, 
who  is  worthy  forever  and  ever.  Fifth-day,  tenth,  we 
attended  their  week-day  meeting  here,  which  was  also 
a  crowned  meeting,  a  number  of  Friends  from  a  dis- 
tance being  present.  Having  landed  in  this  country  in 
a  very  low  tried  situation,  I  have  great  cause  of  humble 
thankfulness  and  gratitude  to  my  gracious  Lord  and 
master,  who  hath  not  forsaken  or  left  me  in  this  strange 
land,  but  has  been  pleased  to  draw  near  in  mercy  and 


70 


JOUKNAL  OF 


[1800. 


magnify  his  own  cause,  which  he  sent  me  over  the 
mighty  deep  to  espouse,  giving  me  a  place  also  in  the 
minds  of  sympathising  friends,  blessed  be  his  holy  name 
forever.  , 

We  had  a  comfortable  meeting  at  Yelland  with 
friends  and  a  few  others  on  sixth-day,  and  got  to  Kendal 
the  same  afternoon,  where  we  staid  until  first-day  and 
attended  two  meetings  of  friends  which  were  on  the 
whole  opportunities  of  favour,  especially  that  in  the 
morning  ;  but  not  feeling  quite  clear  to  leave  this  place 
yet,  we  visited  a  few  families  of  friends  and  staid  their 
meeting  on  third-day,  which  was  to  our  satisfaction. 
Our  next  meetings  were  Terrill,  Penrith  where  we  had 
also  a  public  meeting,  Moreland,  Carlisle,  Cornwood,  a 
monthly  meeting  and  a  public  meeting  at  Alstone,  Al- 
londale,  Darwin,  and  so  to  New  Castle  upon  Tyne: 
some  of  these  last  mentioned  meetings  were  dull  and 
laborious,  •wherein  Truth  did  not  arise  into  much  domi- 
nion, but  others  were  open  and  much  to  our  satisfaction. 
These  northern  parts  of  England  are  very  bare  of  wood, 
the  country  very  broken  and  romantic,  and  in  some  places 
barren,  but  well  cultivated  where  it  is  tit  for  tillage ;  1 
was  not  a  little  surprised  to  see  so  much  land  in  England 
lying  untilled,  for  notwithstanding  the  vast  population 
of  this  little  island,  it  is  said  that  nearly  one  fourth  part 
of  the  lands  in  the  kingdom  are  uncultivated,  yet  in 
times  of  peace  they  have  plenty  and  to  spare. 

On  entering  New  Castle  my  mind  was  covered  with 
rather  uncommon  oppression  and  discouragement :  we 
had  the  company  of  Mary  Stacey  of  London,  who  was 
a  daughter  of  that  eminent  minister  of  the  gospel  Rachel 
Wilson,  and  her  companion  Sarah  Lynesfrom  the  same 
place,  who  had  been  mostly  with  us  since  we  left  Lan- 
caster.   Twenty-seventh,  attended  the  fore  and  after- 


1800.] 


RICHABD  JORDAN. 


71 


noon  meetings  of  friends  here  :  I  laboured  a  little  in  the 
morning,  but  the  cloud  soon  returned  upon  me,  and  so 
1  remained  both  in  public  and  private,  with  very  little 
intervening  light;  so  that  I  keptmyselfas  much  retired 
from  company  as  I  well  could  ;  Lord,  look  down  in 
mercy  upon  me.  Meeting  with  our  dear  friend  John 
Wigham  at  this  place,  on  his  way  home  from  the  yearly 
meeting,  he  concluded  to  pilot  us  to  Edinburgh. 

Third-day,  twenty-ninth,  set  off  for  Edinburgh  by  the 
way  of  Morpeth,  Weldon,  Whittingham,  Wolverhaugh- 
head,  Cornhill,  Greenlow,  Blackshield,  and  so  to  Edin- 
burgh, about  one  hundred  and  six  miles  from  New 
Castle.  We  arrived  at  this  place  on  sixth-day,  first  of 
eighth  month,  and  on  seventh-day  rested  and  wrote:  the 
country  from  New  Castle  is  more  level  than  we  had 
travelled  through  before,  better  timbered,  and  to  us  ap- 
peared better  as  to  its  quality,  except  that  nearer  Edin- 
burgh where  there  are  a  great  many  coal-pits,  and  the 
country  has  a  more  dreary  appearance ;  however,  my 
business  is  not  to  remark  much  on  the  soil  and  produce 
of  the  countries  through  which  I  pass,  but  more  parti- 
cularly on  the  religious,  civil  and  moral  character  of 
the  people. 

First-day,  third,  we  attended  two  meetings  of  friends 
here,  in  both  of  which  we  were  enlarged  in  the  love  of 
the  gospel,  greatly  to  our  own  comfort,  and  to  the  com- 
fort and  satisfaction  of  friends.  On  third-day,  we  took 
post  chaise  and  went  to  Glasgow,  and  attended  a  meet- 
ing there :  although  there  are  not  many  under  our 
name  in  this  place  at  present,  yet  the  principles  of 
Friends  seem  to  be  gaining  ground,  and  we  understand 
that  a  number  frequently  come  and  sit  down  with 
friends,  in  theirjsilent  meetings  ;  indeed  my  heart  felt  en- 
lai^ed  towards  the  people  as  we  walked  the  streets. 


72 


JOURNAL  or 


[1800- 


We  returned  to  Edinburgh  and  attended  their  two 
meetings  on  first-day  again,  which  were  solid,  good 
meetings,  especially  the  last.  Second-day,  we  went  on 
to  the  north  by  way  of  Kimross,  and  on  third-day 
had  a  meeting  in  a  pretty  large  town  called  Perth, 
where  are  only  two  members  of  our  society  at  present 
residing,  but  a  number  of  sober  people  attended,  and  it 
was  a  heart-tendering  time  ;  blessed  be  the  Lord  who 
was  with  us,  and  gave  us  to  rejoice  in  the  renewed  of- 
fers of  his  salvation.  There  was  one  called  a  clergy- 
man at  the  meeting,  who  behaved  in  a  solid  manner, 
and  at  the  conclusion  came  and  took  his  leave  of  us, 
wishing  us  well,  and  praying  that  every  blessing  might 
attend  us. 

Fourth-day,  thirteenth,  went  to  Dundee,  and  had  a 
meeting  there  in  the  afternoon,  and  on  fifth-day  pro- 
ceeded by  the  way  of  Arbroth,  Montross,  Bervy,  and  so 
to  Stone  Haven,  where  we  lodged.  Just  by  this  last 
place  is  Ury,  the  seat  of  Robert  Barclay,  the  Apologist ; 
the  present  proprietor,  the  great  grand  son  of  the  Apo- 
logist, now  resides  there,  but  makes  no  profession  with 
Friends.  Seventh-day,  sixteenth,  we  rode  to  Aberdeen, 
and  on  first-day  attended  two  meetings  there,  at  both  of 
which  we  had  a  number  of  the  town's  people  with  us, 
amongst  whom  were  some  soldiers,  who  behaved  well, 
and  seemed  to  be  humbled  under  Truth's  testimony, 
one  of  them  especially  was  broken  into  tears;  these 
were  both  pretty  solid,  good  meetings.  Next  day  we 
rode  to  a  place  called  Balhalgardy,  and  on  fourth-day 
got  to  Old  Meldrum,  and  attended  the  week  day  meet- 
ing of  Friends  there,  and  feeling  our  minds  drawn  to- 
wards the  town's  people,  we  appointed  a  meeting  for 
them  in  the  evening,  to  which  many  of  them  came,  and 
behaved  in  an  orderly  manner,   while  many  gospel 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


73 


truths  were  freely  declared  to  them,  and  I  hope  some 
were  profited  thereby. 

Fifth-day,  twenty-first.  We  attended  a  monthly  meet- 
ing at  Kinmuck,  which  was  a  highly  favoured  season  ; 
dear  Elizabeth  Wigham,  wife  of  John,  obtained  a  cer- 
tificate to  visit  Ireland :  thus  the  messengers  are  run- 
ning to  and  fro,  may  true  knowledge  be  increased.  My 
companion,  Samuel  Smith,  having  a  desire  to  return  to 
Old  Meldrum  on  first-day,  I  accompanied  him,  and  we 
attended  two  meetings  there  again,  to  which,  especially 
the  last,  came  many  of  the  town's  people,  to  whom  my 
companion  had  considerable  communication,  but  I  was 
silent  in  both  meetings.  Second-day,  twenty-fifth,  in 
the  morning  we  had  a  meeting  at  Kinmuck,  where  I 
was  still  shut  up ;  in  the  afternoon  was  held  the  select 
half  year's  meeting  at  the  same  place,  which  through  the 
renewed  extendings  of  Holy  help,  was  a  season  of  com- 
fort and  refreshment  to  my  poor  soul;  blessed  be  the 
Lord.  Next  day  was  held  the  half  year's  meeting  for 
business,  which,  on  the  whole,  was  a  time  of  refresh- 
ment and  comfort  (o  many  minds.  We  went  in  the  af- 
ternoon to  visit  a  sick  friend,  had  a  precious  opportuni- 
ty in  the  family,  and  returned  to  Kinmuck. 

Fourth-day,  twenty-seventh,  we  set  our  faces  to- 
wards Edinburgh  again,  and  got  as  far  as  Stone  Haven 
to  lodge,  and  next  morning  went  to  see  Robert  Barclay 
at  Ury  :  he  had  three  sisters  with  him,  one  of  whom 
had  lately  married  ;  her  husband  and  a  young  clergy- 
man who  had  been  tutor  to  some  of  the  children,  were 
also  present.  They  received  us  very  kindly,  we  break- 
fasted with  them,  and  after  walking  awhile  in  the  gar- 
den, which  is  beautifully  situated  on  a  lively  running 
stream  of  water,  and  cultivated  in  great  perfection,  we 
returned  to  the  house,  which  is  said  to  be  the  same  that 
G 


74 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1800, 


the  Apologist  lived  in.  It  is  a  large  stone  building,  in 
■which  still  remains  the  study  in  which  the  Apology  was 
written,  which  is  now  a  library.  After  we  had  viewed 
various  parts  of  that  ancient  good  man's  relics,  we  pro- 
posed a  religious  opportunity  with  these  young  people, 
who  had  neither  father  nor  mother  living,  which  they 
acceeded  to  ;  it  was  much  to  the  relief  of  my  mind,  and 
I  hope  will  be  remembered  to  profit,  by  most,  if  not  all 
of  them.  Robert,  and  his  brother-in-law,  walked  with 
us  near  a  mile,  and  seemed  loth  to  part  with  us,  taking 
their  leave  in  a  very  aflfectionate  manner.  Oh,  may  the 
lives  and  testimonies  of  those  eminent  instruments,  and 
faithful  servants  of  God,  in  their  day,  like  "  the  blood  of 
righteous  Abel,  though  dead,  yet  continue  so  to  speak" 
to  after  generations,  and  to  their  own  posterity  in  par- 
ticular, that  they  may  be  stirred  up  to  follow  them  as 
they  followed  Christ. 

Being  thus  clear,  we  passed  on  to  Montross,  where 
we  had  a  religious  opportunity  with  an  ancient  woman 
friend,  and  her  daughter,  who  are  the  only  persons  un- 
der our  name  residing  there.  Next  day  we  got  to  Dun- 
dee, and  lodged  at  a  friend's  house  ;  he  was  not  at  home, 
and  his  wife  not  being  a  member  of  Society,  was  very 
averse  to  her  husband's  joining  Friends,  yet  she  would 
not  let  us  stay  at  an  inn,  but  came  and  had  us  away  to 
their  house,  saying,  that  though  she  was  not  one  with 
us  in  outward  profession,  she  loved  them  that  loved  the 
truth,  and  believed  us  to  be  such.  She  seemed  getting 
more  reconciled  to  her  husband's  change  ;  we  thought 
her  an  honest-hearted  woman,  willing  to  be  instructed, 
so  recommending  her  to  the  Lord,  we  departed. 

On  seventh-day,  the  thirtieth,  we  got  to  Perth,  and 
next  day  attended  Friends'  little  meeting  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  in  the  afternoon  had  a  public  meeting  in  a  large 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


75 


building  called  Guildhall,  but  there  came  such  an  abun- 
dance of  people,  that  the  hall  could  not  hold  them  by 
perhaps,  many  hundreds,  so  that  they  were  crowded  in 
the  street,  and  in  the  court  round  about  the  hall.  All 
seemed  so  unsettled  and  confused,  that  my  mind  was 
very  much  tried,  but  being  exercised  for  their  everlast- 
ing good,  I  pretty  soon  stood  up  ;  they  became  still  and 
solid,  and  a  door  was  opened  to  preach  the  gospel  pret- 
ty largely  to  this  great  concourse,  I  believe  to  general 
satisfaction  :  the  meeting  concluded  with  fervent  pray- 
er, and  the  people  withdrew  with  great  solemnity.  I 
believe  it  was  a  memorable  time  to  some  of  them  ;  may 
the  Lord  help  them — and  I  hope  he  will — but  it  must 
be  in  his  own  time,  and  not  in  theirs.  I  may  now  re- 
mark, that  in  passing  along  through  Scotland,  it  has  not 
felt  so  dark  and  distressing  to  my  mind,  as  in  many  other 
places ;  it  has  seemed  to  me  that  there  are  many  pre- 
cious souls,  who  are  secretly  enquiring  the  way  to  the 
Zion  of  rest ;  but  oh  for  those  pastors  and  teachers,  who 
keep  them  as  it  were  in  the  outward  court,  and  instruct 
them  to  look  for  this  rest  in  something  without  them, 
even  in  their  ceremonies  and  ordinances.  But  how  can 
it  be  otherwise,  when  they  themselves  have  come  no 
further,  but  are  still  framing  ordinances  out  of  the  scrip- 
tures, without  the  spirit,  and  without  the  life.  Oh,  what 
running  to  and  fro,  to  find  this  rest;  what  divisions  in 
their  churches,  so  called ;  yea,  divisions  and  subdivi- 
sions, and  none  seem  to  be  yet  settled.  How  my  soul 
felt  for  them  !  and  I  was  not  a  little  confirmed  in  my 
mind  that  a  door  would  be  opened,  yea,  was  already 
opened,  for  the  true  messengers  of  the  gospel  to  labour 
profitably  in  that  country,  if  they  do  but  travail  deep 
enougli  in  the  spirit  and  in  the  life, 'which  it  is  the  ear- 


76 


JOUKNAL  OF 


[1800. 


nest  solicitude  of  my  soul  may  be  the  case  there,  and 
wherever  it  may  please  the  Lord  to  send  them. 

We  got  to  Edinburgh  on  third-day,  and  attended  their 
week  day  meeting  on  fifth-day,  which  was  a  time  of  fa- 
vour ;  in  the  afternoon  visited  some  friends  in  their  fa- 
milies, to  satisfaction :  sixth-day  I  was  unwell,  having 
taken  considerable  cold,  byt  got  out  with  my  compan- 
ion to  two  families,  at  the  last  of  which  1  was  taken  ill, 
and  did  not  get  away  until  seventh-day  evening,  when  I 
went  back  to  our  lodgings,  where  I  still  continued  so 
unwell,  that  1  was  not  able  to  attend  either  of  the  meet- 
ings on  first-day,  though  my  companion  attended  both. 

Fourth-day.  After  being  favoured  with  a  precious, 
heart-tendering  opportunity,  in  the  family  where  we 
lodged,  and  with  a  number  of  other  friends  who  came 
to  take  leave  of  us,  we  parted  from  them  in  much  near 
aifection,  and  set  out  for  Carlisle  by  the  way  of  Selkirk 
and  Hawick.  At  this  place  we  went  to  see  a  friendly 
man,  who  appeared  to  be  convinced  of  our  principles, 
and  had  a  religious  opportunity  with  him  and  his  wife, 
to  satisfaction.  We  had  no  meeting  until  we  reached 
Carlisle,  where  we  arrived  on  seventh-day,  and  on  first- 
day  morning  attended  a  meeting  with  friends  there,  to 
which  came  many  of  the  towns-people,  and  in  the  af- 
ternoon we  had  a  pretty  large  meeting  at  Scotby,  three 
miles  from  Carlisle,  both  of  which  were  solid  opportu- 
nities. We  visited  several  families  of  friends  at  this 
place,  and  next  day  returned  to  Carlisle,  and  from 
thence  took  the  following  meetings  :  viz.  Moorehouse, 
Wigton,  Beckfoot,  Allonby,  and  a  monthly  and  select 
meeting  at  Maryport,  most  of  which  were  times  of  deep 
and  laborious  exercise. 

From  Maryport  we  went  to  Broughton,  and  lodged 
at  the  house  of  our  friend  John  Hall,  who  at  this  time 


1800.] 


BICHARD  JORDAN. 


77 


was  on  a  religious  visit  in  America  :  we  were  pleased 
to  find  his  dear  wife  and  children  enjoying  good  health 
and  cheerful  resignation  in  his  absence.  On  first-day 
we  attended  their  two  meetings,  and  in  the  evening  had 
a  very  precious  opportunity  with  this  family,  and  seve- 
ral other  friends  who  came  in.  After  this  we  took 
meetings  at  the  following  places :  viz.  Graysouthen, 
Pardshaw  Hall,  a  quarterly  meeting  at  Cockermouth, 
and  a  public  meeting  at  the  same  place,  and  from  thence 
we  went  to  White  Haven ;  these  last  meetings  were 
mostly  to  satisfaction.  We  attended  the  meetings  at 
Whitehaven  on  first-day  :  I  was  silent  in  the  morning, 
and  feeling  my  mind  drawn  towards  the  town's  people, 
we  had  a  public  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  which  was 
very  large,  and  the  doctrines  of  ihe  gospel  were  pretty 
largely  opened  to  them,  and  they  seemed  to  pay  great 
attention  ;  the  meeting  concluded  to  satisfaction,  and 
we  went  on  our  way  rejoicing.  Next  day,  visited  a 
few  families ;  the  day  following,  went  to  Cockermouth, 
and  from  thence  to  Kendal,  and  attended  the  quarterly 
meeting,  which  was  a  very  exercising  time  to  me.  After 
this  meeting  was  over,  I  felt  considerably  unwell,  and 
laid  by  for  a  day  or  two,  but  got  so  as  to  attend  meet- 
ings on  first-day  again,  in  both  of  which  I  was  silent. 
Next  day,  being  the  sixth  of  tenth  month,  we  went  to 
Lancaster,  and  the  day  following  to  Preston,  where  we 
attended  their  little  week  day  meeting  on  fourth-day, 
which  was  a  very  searching  time  among  (he  few,  but 
some  of  them  were  humbled  and  contrited  before  the 
Lord,  having  their  states  opened  and  set  before  them  in 
the  authority  of  Truth.  We  lodged  with  some  young 
people  whose  parents  were  deceased  ;  they  appeared 
hopeful,  and  we  had  a  precious  opportunity  with  them. 
Fifth-day,  nineteenth.  Went  to  Bolton,  and  had  a 
G  2 


78 


JOVKNAL  OF 


[1800. 


meeting  there  next  day,  to  our  comfort  and  rejoicing  : 
went  to  Manchester  in  the  afternoon,  and  on  first-day, 
twelfth,  attended  their  two  meetings,  which  were  large, 
but  a  deep,  exercising,  suffering  time,  it  was  to  me  ;  in- 
deed both  of  us  had  something  to  say  near  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  last  meeting,  which  was  rather  particular, 
but  there  seemed  to  us  little  room  to  receive  it ;  and 
thus  it  is,  if  we  who  make  so  high  a  profession  in  reli- 
gion above  others,  unhappily  settle  down  in  the  form, 
without  the  life,  we  become  more  benumbed,  dead, 
and  hard  to  reach,  than  any  other  people  :  we  left  them 
with  heavy  hearts,  and  in  the  evening  a  considerable 
number  of  friends  coming  in  to  see  us,  particularly  of 
the  younger  class,  we  were  favoured  with  a  good  op- 
portunity together,  which  afforded  some  relief  to  our 
exercised  minds. 

We  went  from  thence  to  Warrington,  where  that  em- 
inent minister  of  the  gospel,  Samuel  Folhergill,  in  his 
time,  resided  ;  and  on  third-day,  the  fourteenth,  we  at- 
tended that  meeting,  which,  at  our  first  sitting  down,  I 
hoped  would  prove  a  watering  season,  but  alas,  the 
scene  soon  changed,  and  I  was  let  down  into  such  a 
state  of  suffering  and  distress,  that  it  seemed  as  though 
I  was  brought  to  the  gates  of  death,  and  hell  seemed 
ready  to  triumph  ;  yet,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  as  1  endea- 
voured to  trust  in  him,  and  patiently  wait  for  his  help, 
I  was  raised  up  again  in  his  power,  to  declare  the  ever- 
lasting Truth  in  a  close,  searching  manner.  Oh,  sure- 
ly, the  time  is  approaching,  when  the  sinners  even  in 
Zion  will  be  made  afraid,  and  fearfulness  will  surprise 
the  hypocrites  ;  may  they  be  aroused  and  stirred  up, 
now,  while  the  day  of  mercy  is  still  offered;  but  alas, 
many  in  some  places  seem  settled  down  at  ease,  con- 
tented with  the  name,  without  the  thing  itself;  and  at 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


79 


the  same  time  are  so  insensible  of  their  situation,  that 
they  can  almost  bid  defiance  to  the  testimony  of  Truth, 
because  they  do  not  apprehend  that  it  can  belong  to 
them.  Notwithstanding  our  close,  searching  labour  in 
this  meeting,  the  word  of  consolation  was  imparted  to 
a  few  tender-spirited  souls,  particularly  of  the  younger 
class,  who  appeared  to  be  under  a  concern,  on  account 
of  the  low  state  of  things  amongst  them  ;  may  the  Lord 
help  them. 

Fourth-day,  fifteenth,  got  to  Liverpool  ;  on  fifth-day 
attended  their  week  day  meeting,  on  sixth-day  a  burial, 
and  on  first-day  were  at  their  meetings  in  course;  most 
of  which  were  exercising  seasons,  yet  on  the  whole 
they  were  gotten  through  with  a  good  degree  of  relief 
to  our  poor  tried  minds,  so  that  wc  left  them  pretty 
easy  and  quiet,  for  which  we  were  thankful.  We  had 
a  solid  opportunity  in  the  evening  with  the  family 
where  we  lodged,  and  the  day  closed  peacefully. 

Second-day,  the  twentieth.  Samuel  Smith  having  ex- 
pressed a  prospect  of  going  towards  London,  and  my 
way  seeming  pretty  clear  for  Ireland,  it  became  a  close 
trial  to  us  both,  having  been  favoured  to  travel  together 
most  of  the  time  since  v/e  landed,  in  the  fellowship  of 
the  gospel,  but  as  each  of  us  endeavoured  to  keep  close 
to  our  own  prospects,  we  become  resigned  to  our  se- 
paration, believing  it  to  be  for  the  work's  sake,  and  not 
in  our  own  wills;  therefore,  after  calling  a  number  of 
our  friends  together,  in  order  to  let  them  know  the 
ground  of  our  separation,  I  concluded  to  embark  for 
Ireland  by  the  first  opportunity  ;  but  the  wind  being  at 
this  time  unfavourable,  I  staid  here  until  fifth-day,  and 
attended  their  week  day  meeting  again,  when  there  was 
another  burial,  and  the  opportunity  was  pretty  open 
and  satisfactory. 


80 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1800. 


Sixth-day,  twenty-fourth.  The  wind  being  still  un- 
favourable for  sailing  out  of  this  port,  a  young  man 
friend  from  this  place  agreeing  to  "accompany  me  to 
Dublin,  we  took  a  boat  and  sailed  up  the  river  Mercy, 
about  ten  or  twelve  miles  to  a  canal,  where  we  got  into 
a  canal  boat  and  proceeded  to  Chester,  the  county  town 
of  Cheshire,  and  put  up  at  an  inn  with  very  civil  peo- 
ple. The  passengers  in  the  boat  were  generally  very 
respectful  to  us,  though  none  of  them  were  professors 
with  us  ;  several  who  lived  in  Wales,  a  considerable 
distance  from  this  place,  came  next  morning  to  take 
leave  of  us.  There  are  so  few  under  our  name  in  this 
place,  that  Friends  are  not  much  known :  it  is  a  large 
walled  town,  and  commands  a  prospect  of  a  most  de- 
lightful and  well  cultivated  country  around  it,  and  is 
noted  for  the  ancient  structure  of  the  buildings,  and  its 
large  fairs. 

First-day,  twenty-sixth.  Attended  the  little  meeting 
of  friends  in  the  forenoon,  to  which  came  a  few  not 
professing  with  us ;  and  in  the  afternoon  we  had  a  pub- 
lic meeting,  which  a  number  of  the  upper  class  attend- 
ed, among  whom  was  an  officer  in  the  army.  The 
people  behaved  with  becoming  solidity,  and  we  had  a 
blessed  meeting,  wherein  the  Lord's  living  power  reign- 
ed over  all,  and  his  great  name  was  praised  to  the  hum- 
ble rejoicing  of  many  hearts.  After  this  blessed  meet- 
ing we  retired  to  our  inn,  a  number  of  friends  came  and 
supped  with  us,  and  having  invited  the  people  there, 
(which  was  my  principal  object,)  they  were  very  ready 
to  come  and  sit  down  with  us,  and  a  precious  religious 
opportunity  we  had  together,  which  I  was  induced  to 
believe  was  a  fresh  visitation  to  some  of  them,  particu- 
larly the  inn  keeper  and  his  wife,  who  were  a  couple  of 
goodly  young  people ;  they  expressed  their  regret  at 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


81 


our  leaving  them  so  soon,  but  we  being  engaged,  took 
our  seats  in  the  mail  coach  about  one  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  arrived  at  Holyhead  about  six  in  the  even- 
ing, the  distance  being  upwards  of  ninety  miles,  through 
a  very  rough  and  mountainous  country. 

The  inn  being  full  when  we  arrived,  we  were  under 
the  necessity  of  getting  private  lodgings,  which  we  did 
not  obtain  without  considerable  imposition.  Being 
weary  we  slept  well,  and  next  morning,  the  twenty- , 
eighth,  arose  early  and  got  on  board  the  packet,  but  it 
was  rainy  and  boisterous;  we  soon  got  under  sail,  and 
had  scarcely  cleared  the  Head,  when  the  wind  set  in 
against  us,  so  that  we  were  beating  about  for  two  days 
and  nights  before  we  reached  Dublin,  (hough  it  had 
been  run,  we  were  told,  in  eight  hours.  This  proved 
not  only  a  rough  and  tedious,  but  also  disagreeable  pas- 
sage, there  being  so  many  passengers  on  board  before  us 
that  we  got  no  bed,  and  the  passengers  were  all  sea-sick 
except  myself,  and  I  think,  one  more ;  but  all  these  try- 
ing circumstances,  together  with  that  of  having  the  com- 
pany of  some  dark,  wicked  spirits  on  board,  were  made 
tolerable  to  me,  through  the  blessed  prevalency  of  a 
quiet  and  easy  mind,  so  that  my  soul  praised  the  Lord 
for  his  preservation  through  all  these  difficulties  and 
dangers. 

On  fifth-day  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  we 
landed  in  Dublin,  and  were  conducted  to  the  house  of 
a  young  friend,  who  received  us  kindly  and  gave  us 
some  refreshment,  and  at  our  request  took  us  to  the 
house  of  his  father,  Joseph  Williams.  Being  now  set 
down,  without  a  companion,  in  this  great  metropolis, 
where  there  are  by  computation  upwards  of  four  hun- 
dred thousand  souls,  and  not  one  inhabitant  whose  face 
I  have  ever  seen  before,  to  my  knowledge,  the  cause  I 


82 


JOURNAX  OF 


[1800. 


came  to  espouse,  feels  precious  ;  O  Lord,  preserve  me. 
Sixth-day  being  the  time  of  holding  one  of  their  week- 
day meetings  in  the  city,  I  attended  it,  though  pretty 
much  cast  down  in  my  mind,  in  consequence  of  my 
situation  ;  but  it  proved  a  time  of  favour  beyond  my  ex- 
pectation. 1  had  not  much  to  say  in  testimony,  yet  was 
favoured  with  some  precious  impressions,  and  this  lan- 
guage was  sweetly  uppermost  in  my  mind,  "  the  king- 
dom stands  not  in  word  but  in  power,"  and  I  trust  this 
meeting  concluded  under  a  humbling  sense  of  the  re- 
newing of  this  power  in  many  minds.  I  soon  returned 
to  my  lodgings,  notwithstanding  many  kind  invitations, 
but  I  want  to  feel  my  way  clear,  before  I  go  much 
abroad ;  therefore  O,  my  God,  be  thou  pleased  to  be 
near  me  by  thy  blessed  power  and  keep  me  on  that  foun- 
dation, against  which  all  storms  and  tempests  beat  in 
vain,  and  upon  which  alone,  thy  people  can  truly  re- 
joice in  thy  salvation.  Amen. 

I  staid  in  and  about  Dublin  nearly  three  weeks,  con- 
stantly attending  meetings  as  they  came  in  course,  which 
was  three  times  a  week,  but  had  no  opening  to  appoint 
any  public  meeting.  I  visited  a  poor  school,  consisting 
of  about  two  hundred  children,  and  had  a  religious  op- 
portunity with  them  to  satisfaction,  which  also  appeared 
to  be  well  received  by  their  teachers.  I  also  visited  se- 
veral friends  in  their  families,  attended  the  burial  of  a 
friend,  and  was  at  one  of  their  monthly  meetings ;  and 
feeling  my  mind  clear  of  Dublin  for  the  present,  I  may 
say  with  heartfelt  thankfulness  and  gratitude  to  my  God, 
I  leave  friends  here  in  love,  there  appearing  among  them 
a  general  openness  to  receive  me  and  the  testimony 
given  me  to  bear,  notwithstanding  some  unhappy  divi- 
sions had  gotten  in  among  them,  to  the  great  grief  of 
the  right-minded. 


1800.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


83 


Having  prepared  myself  to  travel  on  horseback  I  set 
out  from  Dublin,  the  nineteenth  of  the  eleventh  month, 
and  took  my  journey  into  the  north  of  the  nation.  The 
first  meeting  T  came  to  was  Rathfriland  about  fifty- 
seven  Irish  miles  from  Dublin,  where  I  had  a  public 
meeting,  many  of  the  town-people  came  in,  and  it  was 
to  pretty  good  satisfaction.  The  next  meetings  Ltook, 
were  Lurgan,  Hillsborough,  Milecross,  Belfast,  Ballin- 
derry,  Lisburn,  and  back  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at 
Lurgan,  for  the  province  of  Ulster,  which  was  held  on 
the  eighth  of  the  twelfth  month.  I  had  considerable 
satisfaction  in  most  of  these  last  mentioned  meetings, 
especially  in  a  large  public  meeting  at  Lisburn  to  which 
came  many  officers  and  soldiers.  I  think  I  never  saw 
so  many  people  of  this  description  at  a  meeting  before  : 
they  behaved  in  a  solid  and  becoming  manner,  and  the 
people  generally  seemed  satisfied;  several  of  the  officers 
stopped  at  the  conclusion  of  the  meeting  to  take  me  by 
the  hand,  which  they  did  in  a  respectful  manner,  and 
I  believed  many  of  them  were  sensible  of  the  favours  of 
that  evening. 

After  the  quarterly  meeting  was  over,  I  took  meet- 
ings at  Moj^allen,  Antrim,  Grange,  Colerain,  Charle- 
mount,  Richhill,  Coothill,  Edenderry,  Rathangan,  and 
so  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Carlow  for  the  province 
ofLeinsier,  which  was  held  the  twenty-ninth  of  twelfth 
month:  in  most  of  these  meetings,  the  testimony  went 
forth  with  clearness  and  good  authority,  much  to  the 
relief  of  my  mind,  O,  it  is  of  the  Lord's  mercy  and 
goodness  to  his  poor  ambassadors,  yea  and  the  power 
of  his  love  both  secretly  and  openly  manifested  in  and 
through  them,  that  they  are  thus  supported  and  carried 
through  perils  by  sea  and  perils  by  land,  yea,  and  perils 
among  false  brethren  :  blessed  be  his  name  forever, 


84 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


which  is  a  strong  tower  in  the  day  of  trouble  for  all  his 
faithful,  dependent  children.  O  may  I  tind  access  to  it 
in  every  dispensation,  that  so  1  may  be  enabled  to  hold 
out  through  every  future  storm  and  tempest,  peril  and 
danger,  of  whatsoever  kind  he  may  be  pleased  to  order 
or  permit,  even  unto  the  end.  Amen. 

The  next  meetings  1  attended,  were,  Kilconner,  and 
back  to  Carlow,  and  had  a  public  meeting  there  and 
then  to  Ballitore,  Athy  and  Mountmellick.  First-day, 
eleventh  of  first  month,  1801,  I  attended  the  fore  and 
afternoon  meetings  of  friends  at  Mountmellick  for  the 
first  time ;  they  were  large,  there  being  two  private 
boarding  schools  of  Friends  in  this  town,  also  many  of 
the  inhabitants  are  friends.  On  my  first  sitting  down 
among  so  many  good  looking  friends,  I  hoped  the  tide 
of  gospel  life  and  power  would  have  arisen  amongst  us 
to  our  comfort  and  rejoicing ;  but  alas,  when  we  look 
outward,  how  often  are  our  pleasant  prospects  blasted, 
and  we  disappointed  in  them.  This  was  truly  a  labo- 
rious exercising  meeting  with  very  little  relief;  and  in 
the  afternoon, — O  this  afternoon,  when  shall  I  forget  it ! 
verily  it  seemed  for  a  considerable  time  as  if  death  and 
hell  triumphed,  and  the  pains  thereof  had  got  hold  of  me ; 
pains  which  1  believed  were  not  much  unlike  the  mis- 
eries those  souls  endure  which  are  forever  separated 
from  the  presence  of  God  ;  so  that  I  often  cried  out  in 
my  spirit,  Lord  have  mercy  on  me  !  what  shall  1  do  ! 
I  expressed  very  little  in  testimony  and  sat  down,  and 
at  length  being  clothed  with  the  spirit  of  supplication, 
in  as  awful  a  degree  as  1  almost  ever  experienced  it,  I 
was  engaged  to  call  publicly  on  God  omnipotent,  that 
he  would  be  pleased  to  break  the  chains  of  death,  the 
bands  and  fetters  of  hell,  in  the  hearts  of  the  people,  and 
remember  in  mercy  the  poor  souls  that  were  laying  un- 


1801.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


85 


der  the  altar,  crying  in  the  bitterness  of  their  spirits  un- 
to Him  for  help.  This  was  the  substance  of  the  lan- 
guage with  which  I  was  awfully  engaged  to  address  the 
almighty  Father  in  this  congregation,  and  blessed  be  his 
everadorablenamc,  He  was  pleased  to  draw  near,  and  by 
the  arising  of  his  own  power  caused  the  powers  of  dark- 
ness to  tremble  ;  under  an  humbling  sense  whereof,  my 
soul  felt  relief  as  I  arose  from  my  knees.  For  two  nights 
before  this,  I  got  very  little  rest,  walking  in  my  room 
when  all  were  asleep,  crying  to  the  Lord  for  help  ;  but 
praised  be  his  goodness,  this  night  I  had  good  rest,  yet 
being  nearly  tried,  I  see  the  need  I  have  of  crying  daily 
to  Him,  for  the  support  of  his  blessed  arm  under  every 
dispensation,  that  so  indeed,  "  neither  heights  nor  depths, 
principalities  nor  powers,  things  present  nor  yet  to  come, 
may  ever  be  able  to  separate  me  from  his  love  which  is 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord  amen. 

I  staid  here  until  fourth-day,  and  attended  meeting 
with  them  again,  Elizabeth  Wigham  and  her  compan- 
ionalso  attended,  and  Truth  was  again  exalted  overall, 
lo  our  humble  rejoicing,  and  the  greatname  was  praised 
who  alone  is  worthy  forevermore.  In  the  afternoon  T 
set  out  in  order  to  be  at  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Clon- 
mel,  about  fifly-two  Irish  miles  from  this  place  ;  we  at- 
tended one  small  meeting  in  the  way  at  Brelnakil  and 
then  went  to  the  aforesaid  quarterly  meeting,  held  for 
the  province  of  Munster.  This  meeting  was  large,  and 
1  thought  on  the  whole,  the  most  solid  quarterly  meet- 
ing I  have  attended  in  this  nation.  The  meeting  for 
business  was  held  on  second-day,  and  a  large  pa^'rting 
meeting  on  third-day,  which  was  a  time  long  to  be  re- 
membered by  me,  and  I  humbly  trust  by  many  more 
present :  my  cup  ran  over  and  1  wept  tears  of  joy,  re- 
joicing in  God  our  Saviour,  and  the  souls  of  many  bow- 


86 


JOITRNAL  OP 


[1801. 


ed  and  worshipped  Him  who  lives  forever  and  ever. 
1  visited  several  families  of  friends  after  this  memorable 
meeting,  and  next  day  set  out  for  Mountmellick  again, 
where  we  arrived  the  day  following,  though  it  was  very 
cold  and  snowy,  but  through  all  I  am  preserved  in  good 
health.  Staid  over  theirtwo  meetings  on  first-day,  and  vi- 
sited the  young  women's  boarding  school  to  satisfaction, 
and  this  week  went  to  Ballymurry,  in  the  county  ofCon- 
naught,  about  forty-two  Irish  miles  from  Mountmellick, 
taking  a  meeting  at  Moat  in  my  way  ;  had  a  meeting  with 
friends  and  a  few  others  at  Ballymurry,  and  returned  to 
Moat,  and  attended  theirtwo  meetings  on  first-day,  and 
visited  a  family  or  two  in  the  evening.  On  second-day, 
rode  to  Tullamore,  and  had  a  meeting  with  a  few  friends 
there;  then  returned  again  to  Mountmellick,  and  at- 
tended their  week-day  meeting,  which  was  large,  and 
something  was  experienced  like  the  precious  evidence  of 
victory  over  that  spirit  which  so  oppressed  and  bore 
down  my  soul  when  1  was  first  at  this  place.  Here  are 
a  few  exercised  sincere  souls,  with  whom  I  was  nearly 
united  in  their  low  and  tried  situation  ;  and  the  Lord  who 
knoweth  them  that  are  his,  gave  us  the  victory,  and  we 
were  made  to  rejoice  together  in  his  salvation  ;  blessed 
be  his  name  forever.  O,  saith  my  soul,  may  these  hold 
fast  their  confidence  in  Him,  and  not  give  way  in  the 
day  of  battle  and  sore  conflict  which  must  be  their  por- 
tion. 

I  visited  the  provincial  school  for  friends'  children, 
and  had  a  religious  opportunity  with  them  to  satisfac- 
tion, and  then  leaving  Mountmellick,  I  took  meetings 
at  Mountrath,  Knock,  Roscrea,  Birr,  and  so  to  Limerick, 
most  of  which  were  favoured  opportunities,  except  the 
last,  which  was  a  very  hard,  laborious  time  without 
much  relief.    It  seemed  to  me  as  though  the  world  had 


1801.] 


KICHARD  JORDAN. 


87 


well  nigh  gotten  the  victory  at  this  place  :  what  exercis- 
ing meetings,  what  times  of  suflering,  among  a  people  so 
captivated,  do  those  experience  who  are  endeavouring 
to  choose  the  Lord  for  their  portion,  and  to  have  their 
minds  centered  on  things  above ;  may  I  always  beenabled 
to  prefer  Jerusalem  to  my  chiefest  joy  in  this  world,  and 
those  things  which  endure  forever  to  those  which  must 
soon  pass  away,  and  perish  with  the  using. 

From  Limerick  I  went  to  Cork  about  fifty-two  miles, 
and  having  taken  a  cold  on  my  lungs,  I  kept  house  pretty 
much  for  several  days,  though  I  attended  meetings  with 
friends,  as  they  came  in  course,  and  once  visited  a  little 
meeting  at  a  place  called  Bandor,  about  fourteen  miles 
ofT,  and  returned  to  Cork.  And  now  I  have  freedom 
to  mention,  that  my  mind  has  been  deeply  baptised 
whilst  in  this  large  city,  not  only  in  religious  exercise 
and  labour,  but  also  in  the  prospect  of  the  sufTering  state 
of  the  poor.  I  had  seen  and  felt  it  generally  through 
the  nation,  but  here  it  was  more  obvious.  One  night 
just  after  I  went  to  bed,  the  town  was  alarmed  with  an 
apprehension  that  a  mob  was  collecting ;  and  several 
parties  of  soldiers  were  called  out  and  sent  in  differ- 
ent directions,  in  order  if  possible,  to  prevent  it.  But 
all  efforts  of  that  kind  proved  in  vain,  for  next  morning 
it  took  place,  and  an  awful  scene  it  was  to  me ;  being  in 
my  chamber,  and  hearing  a  great  noise,  I  looked  out  at 
the  window,  and  behold  the  street  was  darkened  with 
multitudes  of  poor  meagre  looking  creatures,  with  the 
marks  of  want  and  distress  imprinted  on  their  counte- 
nances, and  as  a  token  of  their  starving  condition,  they 
had  a  small  loaf  of  wheat  bread  fixed  on  a  staff,  and  just 
above  it  a  piece  of  poor  looking  barley  bread,  dressed 
in  black  cloth,  which  hung  down  a  little  below  it.  This 
was  surrounded  by  a  company  of  poor,  miserable  look- 


88 


JOUKNAL  OF 


[tSO!. 


ing  women  and  children,  who  marched  towards  the 
Exchange  and  went  to  the  mayor  of  the  town.  The 
general  of  the  army  then  stationed  in  Cork,  observing 
their  motions,  rushed  on  before  them,  and  like  a  wise 
moderate  man,  advised  the  mayor  to  go  out  to  meet 
them  and  speak  kindly  to  them,  and  promise  them  some 
relief,  and  advise  them  to  go  quietly  home  which  he 
did,  and  it  had  the  desired  effect.  But  relief  not  coming 
that  day ;  O  what  will  not  hunger  drive  men  to !  the 
next  morning  the  same  awful  scene  passed  again  before 
my  eyes,  only  with  a  more  formidable  and  desperate 
appearance,  the  general  then  drew  out  his  troops,  and 
stopped  their  march,  while  he  ventured  to  ride  in  among 
them,  and  endeavoured  to  reason  with  them,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  dispersing  them  without  mischief.  Measures 
being  then  immediately  devised  for  their  relief,  they 
were  afterwards  quiet  during  my  stay  there :  the  num- 
ber of  inhabitants  in  this  city  is  said  to  be  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty  thousand,  and  more  than  a  fourth 
part  of  them  were  at  this  time  in  a  state  of  want. 

From  this  place  I  went  to  Youghall  and  attended  two 
meetings;  thence  to  Garryroan,  where  I  met  Samuel 
Smith,  who  had  lately  arrived  in  this  nation  from  En- 
gland. After  a  very  exercising  meeting  we  went  to 
Clonmel,  where  we  attended  several  meetings  together, 
and  also  visited  a  number  of  families,  all  to  pretty  good 
satisfaction,  indeed  some  of  these  opportunities  were  em- 
inently owned  with  the  divine  presence  and  power,  in- 
somuch that  the  gospel  tide  seemed  to  overflow  its  banks, 
and  cause  almost  a  general  watering ;  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  who  hath  richly  rewarded  me  for 
my  second  visit  to  this  place :  may  it  also  tend  to  the 
benefit  of  the  visited,  but  this  I  must  leave  in  the  hands 
of  Him,  who  alone  can  give  the  increase,  and  return 


1801.] 


RICUARD  JORDAN. 


89 


Him  thanks  for  the  evidence  of  peace  in  the  labour. 
Amen. 

We  went  next  to  Anner  Mills,  and  spent  a  day  with 
Sarah  Grubb  and  her  school  children,  where  a  consider- 
able number  of  friends  came  in  the  afternoon  to  see  us, 
and  we  were  favoured  with  a  precious  heart-tendering 
opportunity  together.  Next  day  Samuel  Smith  and  I 
parted  again,  he  going  towards  Carlow,  and  1  to  Water- 
ford  ;  attended  three  meetings  at  this  place,  and  visited 
some  friends  to  satisfaction.  From  Waterford  I  took 
meetings  at  Ross,  Forest,  Cooladine,  Enniscorthy,  Bal- 
Icntore,  and  so  by  Carlow,  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at 
Mountmellick,  where  I  again  met  Samuel  Smith,  and 
we  attended  the  quarterly  meeting  together,  which,  on 
the  whole,  was  a  solid,  instructive  lime  :  we  also  at- 
tended their  week-day  meeting  and  another  at  Mount- 
rath  about  eight  miles  off,  which  was  a  blessed  water- 
ing opportunity  to  a  number;  we  returned  to  Mount- 
mellick with  joyful  hearts. 

On  second-day,  seventh  of  fourth  month,  I  set  out  in 
company  with  several  other  friends  to  attend  the  quar- 
terly meeting  at  Cork,  about  ninety  Irish  miles  from  this 
place,  and  Samuel  Smith  went  towards  the  north;  I  had 
an  agreeable  journey,  attended  the  quarterly  meeting, 
which  was  a  time  of  instruction,  though  very  exercising 
for  the  most  part,  and  returned  directly  back  to  Mount- 
mellick, with  a  peaceful  mind:  tarried  there  one  night, 
and  next  day  went  to  Rathangan,  where  I  again  met 
Samuel  Smith,  who  had  been  detained  there  about  a 
week  with  indisposition  :  we  were  glad  to  sec  each  other 
again  in  a  strange  land.  On  first-day,  I  attended  both 
their  meetings  here,  and  next  day,  Samuel  being  a  little 
recruited,  we  took  the  canal  boat  and  went  by  water 
to  Dublin.    Third-day,  attended  one  of  their  meetings 


90 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


iti  the  city,  and  on  fourth-day  I  went  to  Wicklow,  about 
twenty-three  miles,  had  a  meeting  with  friends  and  a  few 
others,  and  returned  to  Dubhn,  in  order  to  attend  the 
yearly  meeting  which  began  with  a  meeting  of  ministers 
and  elders  on  seventh-day,  twenty-fifth  of  fourth  month, 
and  on  second-day  the  meeting  for  business  opened, 
which  held  by  adjournments,  until  third-day,  the  fourth 
of  fifth  month:  and,  notwithstanding  it  appears  to  be  a 
low  time  with  the  Society  in  many  places  in  this  nation, 
insomuch  that  there  is  at  present  a  great  forsaking  in 
the  land,  and  even  a  time  of  treading  down  and  tram- 
pling under  foot  many  of  the  precious  testimonies 'and 
privileges  which  our  forefathers  dearly  purchased,  and 
left  us  in  the  quiet  possession  of ;  yet  blessed  be  the 
Hope  of  Israel,  He  was  pleased  to  draw  near  in  several 
of  the  sittings  of  this  yearly  meeting,  and  to  evince  by 
the  exaltation  of  his  truth  and  the  power  thereof,  over 
all  opposition,  that  he  halh  not  forsaken  nor  forgotten 
to  be  gracious  to  the  remnant  of  his  people,  yea,  the 
remnant  of  this  people,  whom  he  gathered  out  from  the 
lo-heres,  and  the  lo-theres,  and  brought  to  sit  down 
under  his  own  immediate  teaching.  Blessed  for  ever 
be  his  great  name,  may  his  Israel  now  say. 

Fe2ling  my  mind  now  released  from  any  further  travel- 
ling or  prospect  of  religious  labour  in  this  nation,  I  signi- 
fied the  same  to  friends  near  the  conclusion  of  this  yearly 
meeting,  and  they  accordingly  gave  me  a  certificate  of 
unity  with  me  in  my  religious  labours  amongst  them  : 
and  on  fourth-day,  the  fifth  of  fifth  month,  I  took  a  sol- 
emn farewell  of  Ireland,  and  with  Samuel  Smith,  his 
companion,  and  Mary  Slerry  from  England,  and  seve- 
ral friends  from  this  nation  going  over  to  the  yearly 
meeting  at  London,  went  on  board  a  small  vessel  called 
a  cutter,  and  arrived  at  Holyhead  the  next  day  in  the 


1801.] 


RICIIAHD  JORDAN. 


91 


evening.  Early  the  following  morning  we  hired  a  coach 
and  chaise,  and  set  out  for  London,  going  by  the  way 
of  Salop,  Colebrookdale  and  Birmingham,  at  all  which 
we  attended  meetings  ;  and  arrived  in  London  on  the  fif- 
teenth. I  am  now  here,  in  this  great  city  of  London, 
comparing  my  situation  to  an  empty  purse,  and  as  de- 
pendent as  the  sparrows  that  have  neither  storehouse 
nor  barn  ;  Lord,  thou  feedest  them,  1  also  endeavour  to 
look  unto  thee  for  support ;  and  I  pray  thee  look  down 
upon  me,  preserve  and  support  me,  if  it  be  thy  bless- 
ed will,  that  so  1  may  be  kept  from  dishonouring  thy 
holy  cause,  wounding  any  of  thy  children,  or  making 
work  for  sorrow  and  repentance  to  my  own  soul  ;  that 
thus,  through  thy  grace,  O  Lord,  I  may  be  enabled  to 
honour  thee  in  thought,  word  and  deed,  who  art  worthy 
forevermore. 

I  took  my  lodgings  with  our  friend  Josiah  Messer, 
who,  with  his  wife  and  children  were  affectionately 
kind  to  me.  On  first-day,  seventeenth,  attended  two 
meetings  at  Westminister,  in  both  which  I  was  silent; 
also  in  two  sittings  of  the  yearly  meeting  of  ministers 
and  elders  on  second-day  at  Grace  Church  Street.  On 
third-day  morning,  the  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders 
sat  again,  and  in  the  afternoon  a  large  meeting,  for  con- 
sidering the  state  of  Ackworth  school. 

The  yearly  meeting  for  discipline  began  on  fourth- 
day,  the  twentieth,  at  Devonshire  house,  at  the  opening 
of  which  I  had  a  little  to  communicate,  and  a  precious 
covering  spread  over  tlie  assembly.  This  meeting  was 
very  large  and  continued  by  adjournments  until  the 
second  of  the  sixth  month,  in  the  course  of  which,  seve- 
ral important  and  interesting  subjects  were  deliberated 
on,  and  we  were  favoured  with  many  fresh  evidences, 
that  notwithstanding  all  the  weaknesses  and  deficiencies 


92 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


prevalent  amongst  many  of  the  members;  as  a  society 
we  are  still  owned  by  that  ancient  Goodness  which  first 
gathered  us  to  be  a  people,  and  many  were  given  re- 
newedly  to  rejoice  in  his  saving  help  and  to  adopt  the 
language,  "  what  shall  we  render  unto  thee  for  all  thy 
benefits." 

The  next  day  after  this  large  and  solemn  assembly 
concluded,  the  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  sat  again, 
where  it  appeared  that  all  (he  other  American  friends, 
four  in  number,  now  in  this  nation  on  religious  visits, 
were  clearing  out  in  order  to  return  to  their  respective 
homes,  some  of  them  having  been  here  several  years ; 
so  that  1  am  likely  to  be  left  as  it  were  alone,  in  this 
strange  land.  A  prospect  which  I  had  before  leaving 
hoine,  of  visiting  some  parts  of  the  continent  of  Europe, 
now  revived,  and  I  expressed  it  in  this  meeting,  with 
which  it  feelingly  concurred,  so  that  I  know  not  yet 
how  long  I  have  to  sojourn  here,  a  poor  lonely  pilgrim. 
Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  keep  near  and  guide  me  in  the 
right  way. 

I  continued  in  and  about  London  until  the  middle  of 
the  seventh  month,  attended  many  meetings,  some  of 
which  were  very  laborious  and  exercising,  and  others 
eminently  favoured  and  owned  by  the  divine  power  and 
presence,  to  the  humble  rejoicing  of  many.  And  now  feel- 
ing my  mind  clear  of  London  for  the  present,  and  hav- 
ing procured  my  passports  for  leaving  this  country,  it 
being  a  time  of  war  with  France,  and  having  the  com- 
pany of  two  jioungmen  friends,  going  over  to  Germany 
on  business,  I  left  London  the  fifteenth  of  seventh  month, 
and  took  postchaise  for  Yarmouth,  about  one  hundred 
and  twenty  miles,  where  we  arrived  next  day,  and  put 
up  with  a  friend  whose  name  is  William  Sewell,  where 
we  were  kindly  accommodated  until  the  packet  in  which 


1801.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


93 


we  were  to  embark,  sailed  for  Hamburgh.  Priscilla 
Gurney  and  her  companion,  whom  1  had  seen  in  Lon- 
don, being  now  engaged  in  a  visit  to  the  families  of 
friends  in  this  place,  and  the  packet  not  sailing  until 
third-day,  the  twenty-first,  I  joined  them  in  the  visit  on 
sixth  and  part  of  seventh-day,  and  attended  two  meet- 
ings on  first-day,  one  of  which  was  a  public  one  ;  all  to 
good  satisfaction.  On  second-day  sat  with  them  m  a  few 
more  families,  and  very  early  on  third-day  morning  we 
were  ordered  on  board,  but  all  the  passengers  did  not 
get  collected  until  nearly  seven  o'clock,  there  being  a 
large  number  made  up  of  different  nations  and  tongues, 
among  whom  was  the  Prussian  ambassador  to  the  En- 
glish court ;  he  and  his  wife  were  very  agreeable  per- 
sons, accommodating  themselves  to  the  passengers  with 
much  affability  and  respect. 

Besides  these,  there  were  Jews,  Italian,  German, 
French,  English,  and  myself  being  an  American,  made 
the  sixth  nation  :  we  soon  got  under  sail  and  had  a  fine 
passage  of  about  fifty-seven  hours  to  Cuxhaven  in  Ger- 
many, one  hundred  leagues  from  Yarmouth;  all  the 
passengers  were  very  civil  and  respectful.  At  Cux- 
haven we  got  pretty  good  accommodations  at  an  inn, 
and  next  day  several  of  us  who  were  bound  to  Ham- 
burgh, hired  a  small  vessel  and  had  an  agreeable  sail 
up  the  river  Elbe  about  seventy  miles  to  Hamburgh,  but 
as  they  did  not  permit  any  to  pass  through,  or  come 
within  the  gates  of  the  city  of  Hamburgh,  after  nine 
o'clock  at  night,  we  were  not  in  time  for  admission,  and 
therefore  lodged  in  a  little  town  called  Altona,  about  a 
mile  below,  where  we  were  well  accommodated  at  an 
English  inn  ;  and  on  the  following  day  hired  a  couple  of 
men  to  carry  our  baggage,  and  went  into  Hamburg, 
where  we  put  up  also  at  an  English  inn.  The  Elbe,  di- 


94 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


vides  Holstein,  belonging  to  the  king  of  Denmark,  on  the 
north,  and  Hanover,  belonging  to  the  king  of  England, 
on  the  south. 

Finding  no  opening  for  religious  service  in  Ham- 
burgh, 1  went  to  Altona,  and  spent  a  little  time  with 
Vander  Smithson,  a  religious  man  who  appeared  to  be 
convinced  of  our  religious  principles,  and  whose  son, 
Gilbert  V.  Smithson,  I  had  seen  in  Scotland  about  a 
year  before.  1  then  returned  to  Hamburg,  and  on  fifth- 
day,  the  thirtieth,  we  took  our  journey  towards  Fyr- 
mont,  travelling  all  night  through  a  dreary  country, 
thinly  inhabited,  where  no  comfortable  accommodation 
could  be  had  for  a  long  distance.  Having  taken  some 
provisions  with  us,  we  travelled  on  until  about  twelve 
o'clock  next  day,  when  we  arrived  at  Zell,  about  sixty- 
eight  English  miles,  and  at  ten  that  night  reached  Han- 
over, a  very  fine  inland  town,  and  famous  for  the  king's 
gardens.  The  next  place  we  halted  at  was  a  little 
town  called  Sprent,  seated  in  a  fertile  valley,  covered 
with  luxuriant  crops  of  grain,  and  the  high  hills  sur- 
rounding it  clothed  with  beautiful  groves  of  trees,  which 
alForded  a  delightful  prospect;  the  deep  green  verdure 
of  the  forests  circling  large  fields  of  corn  now  whiten- 
ing for  harvest  and  the  labourers  just  entering  into  them. 
O,  that  I  could  have  seen  as  much  respecting  the  spiritual 
condition  of  the  people  among  whom  I  have  been  tra- 
velling in  these  parts  of  Germany  ;  but  alas !  until  I 
came  to  this  place,  on  which  nature  has  so  bountifully 
bestowed  her  gifts,  I  have  seen  very  little  that  seemed 
to  attract  my  particular  notice,  except  the  barrenness 
of  the  soil,  and  the  licentious,  extortionate  disposition 
of  the  people,  which  has  been  evinced  with  very 
few  exceptions,  so  far  as  we  have  had  any  thing  to 
do  with  them.    At  this  place  we  had  to  wait  for  a 


1801.] 


KICHAKD  JORDAN. 


95 


change  of  horses,  being  under  the  necessity  of  submit- 
ting to  the  common  way  of  travelHng  in  this  country, 
which  is,  for  the  traveller  to  procure  a  carriage  of  some 
sort,  and  then  hire  horses  from  stage  to  stage,  the  length 
of  each  being  about  three  German  miles.  The  hire  of 
these  horses  must  be  paid  before  we  leave  the  post 
house,  at  the  rale  of  half  a  rix  dollar  per  mile  for  each 
horse,  and  then  in  getting  to  the  next  stage,  submit  to 
the  impositions  of  a  dull,  slow,  and  sometimes  insolent 
postilion,  that  cannot  be  urged  beyond  his  common  gait 
for  love  nor  money,  and  yet  has  a  right  to  demand 
what  they  call  snap  money,  which  is  about  six  or  seven 
pence  per  mile,  to  furnish  them  with  beer  and  a  bit  of 
coarse  bread  for  their  horses,  which  is  their  common 
custom.  Such  is  the  slow  motion  of  some  of  them,  that 
at  one  time,  1  think  the  boy  with  a  good  looking  pair  of 
horses,  drove  us  only  about  one  of  these  miles  in  two 
hours.  I  can  hardly  forbear  remarking  on  their  ex- 
tortion at  the  inns,  where  they  generally  charged  for 
each  person,  two  marks  for  dinner,  and  two  for  supper, 
without  any  kind  of  drink;  two  marks  for  each  single 
bed,  sometimes  with  extra  charge  for  candlelight ;  and 
for  breakfast  of  tea  or  coifee,  one  and  a  half  marks,  the 
marks  are  about  one  shilling  and  six  pence  sterling 
each,  and  the  rix  dollar  four  shillings. 

Seventh-day,  first  of  eighth  month.  We  reached 
Pyrmont  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  were 
kindly  received  by  Federick  Sebohm,  with  whom  we 
lodged  that  night. 

First-day,  second,  attended  the  two  meetings  of  friends 
at  Pyrmont,  to  which  came  a  considerable  number  of 
persons  not  of  our  society,  it  being  a  place  much  resorted 
to  by  people  from  many  parts  of  the  world,  on  account 
of  the  mineral  waters,  which  are  esteemed  the  best  in 


96 


JOUKNAL  OF 


[1801. 


Earope.  I  had  never  before  spoken  through  an  inter- 
preter in  a  meeting,  but  being  pretty  soon  opened  in 
the  love  of  the  gospel  towards  these  people,  1  stood  up, 
and  a  well  concerned  friend  of  this  place  interpreted 
for  me.  We  were  favoured  with  a  blessed  opportunity 
through  the  fresh  extendings  of  holy  goodness ;  indeed 
such  was  the  spreading  and  prevailing  of  divine  power 
and  mercy  that  my  interpreter  could  not  refrain  from  tears 
as  he  rendered  what  I  spoke  into  German,  there  being 
very  few  present  who  understood  English.  Many  peo- 
ple also  attended  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  gospel  was 
again  freely  preached  to  them  ;  a  number  appeared  to 
be  humbled  under  the  precious  influences  thereof,  so 
that  both  these  meetings  concluded  in  a  solemn  manner, 
and  I  humbly  trust  that  the  souls  of  many  bowed  with 
my  own,  and  worshipped  and  praised  the  Lord  for  the 
renewed  manifestation  of  his  love  and  mercy.  Next 
day  I  took  my  lodgings  with  my  kind  interpreter  at  a 
place  called  Peacedale  about  one  English  mile  from 
Pyrmont :  it  is  beautifully  situated  on  the  side  of  a  rich 
fertile  valley,  and  surrounded  with  high  hills,  which  are 
covered  with  delightful  groves  of  trees.  Several  other 
friends  also  live  here ;  their  houses  form  a  kind  of  vil- 
lage, and  they  have  a  manufactory  of  cutlery  in  which 
a  number  of  the  poor  friends  are  employed,  also  a  spin- 
ning factory  for  the  poor  women  friends.  The  prices 
of  labour  in  this  as  well  as  several  other  parts  of  Eu- 
rope are  so  low,  that  m.any  of  these  industrious  people 
are  very  poor  and  hard  set  to  get  a  living,  so  that  I  often 
felt  deeply  for  them. 

About  four  o'clock  on  second-day  afternoon,  their 
monthly  meeting  was  held  at  this  place,  for  friends  of 
Pyrmont  and  Minden,  this  last  being  a  small  meeting 
within  the  territories  of  Prussia.    After  a  considerable 


1801.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


97 


time  of  silence,  when  the  clerk  was  just  proceeding  to 
business,  I  stood  up  with  these  words,  "  in  those  days 
when  there  was  no  open  vision,  the  word  of  the  Lord 
was  precious,"  and  through  the  renewing  of  his  ancient 
goodness,  which  is  ever  new  to  those  who  are  made 
partakers  of  it,  this  was  a  time  which  1  hope  will  not 
soon  be  forgotten  by  many  of  us  then  present;  my  cup 
run  over,  and  I  wept  tears  of  gratitude  and  joy  before 
Him  who  had  enabled  me  to  leave  my  all  in  this  world, 
for  his  blessed  Gospel's  sake,  and  the  good  of  souls,  free 
from  any  prospect  of  outward  interest  and  gain  :  the 
countenances  of  many  at  this  blessed  season  of  favour, 
as  well  as  their  hearts,  were  softened  and  bedewed  with 
tears,  acknowledging  it  to  be  the  Lord's  doing,  and  I 
think  one  or  more  of  them,  in  words,  at  or  near  the  con- 
clusion of  the  meeting.  After  this,  I  returned  lo  my 
lodgings  with  the  incomes  of  sweet  peace,  and  I  now 
did  not  regret  the  many  conflicts  and  difficulties  which 
had  attended  my  coming  to  see  these  dear  people.  O, 
may  my  soul  be  filled  with  thankfulness  for  the  abun- 
dant fulness  of  comfort  it  now  enjoys,  for  in  addition  to 
the  inexpressible  favour  just  hinted  at,  the  next  day  I 
received  letters  from  home,  giving  agreeable  informa- 
tion of  the  health,  peace  and  harmony  of  my  dear  wife 
and  little  family,  and  also  of  the  prosperity  of  my  out- 
ward affairs  ;  blessed  be  the  Lord. 

Fourth-day,  fifth  ;  a  good  time  at  the  week  day  meet- 
ing ;  next  day  wrote  sundry  letters  to  my  friends  in 
America.  Sixth-day,  the  young  man  who  came  with 
me  from  London  left  me,  and  returned  homeward ;  thus 
I  am  once  more  left  as  it  were  alone  in  a  strange  land, 
but  I  will  endeavour  to  lean  on  the  blessed  arm  which 
hath  hitherto  supported,  preserved,  and  carried  me 
through  ;  Lord  enable  me  so  to  trust. 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


First-day,  ninth,  attended  the  fore  and  afternoon 
meetings  at  Pyrmont ;  many  not  of  our  religious  society 
were  there  ;  some  of  whom  were  very  hght  and  airy.  I 
had  considerable  communication  amongst  them  in  the 
morning,  and  my  interpreter  in  the  afternoon,  and  both 
were,  on  the  whole,  pretty  solid  opportunities.  Fourth- 
day  twelfth,  I  was  at  the  week  day  meeting  again, 
which  was  also  a  pretty  solid  time.  Seventh-day,  ac- 
companied by  Lewis  Seebohm,  1  went  to  visit  the  little 
meeting  of  friends  at  Minden  in  Prussia,  it  being  about 
forty-two  English  miles  from  Pyrmont.  We  got  there 
the  same  evening,  and  put  up  with  Frederick  Smith,  an 
honest  friend  of  that  place,  who  with  his  daughters,  re- 
ceived us  very  kindly  and  affectionately. 

Firsl-day.  We  attended  the  two  meetings  of  friends, 
which  were  both  highly  favoured  seasons,  especially  that 
in  the  morning;  it  was  much  crowded  by  people  not 
professing  with  friends,  and  a  door  was  opened  to  preach 
the  gospel  among  them  with  clearness  and  good  autho- 
rity :  the  peopJe  were  very  solid  and  attentive,  and  ap- 
peared to  be  well  satisfied,  and  the  meeting  concluded 
in  solemn  prayer  and  supplication.  This  was  the  first 
time  I  was  ever  engaged  in  this  awful  service  through 
an  interpreter  ;  he  kneeled  down  beside  me,  and  seem- 
ed nearly  united  with  me  in  spirit,  as  he  translated  my 
words,  with  which  the  people  seemed  also  to  unite. 
Many  of  them  came  forward  at  the  conclusion  of  the 
meeting,  and  took  me  by  the  hand,  in  a  very  soHd,  af- 
fectionate manner ;  indeed  1  felt  a  stream  of  gospel 
love  in  my  heart  towards  the  people  as  I  walked 
the  streets,  the  countenances  of  many  seemed  to  me  to 
bespeak  the  sadness  of  their  hearts,  and  a  desire  to  be 
relieved  from  the  yoke  of  spiritual  bondage  ;  my  soul 
secretly  prayed.  May  the  Lord  Almighty  help  them  ! 


1801.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


99 


A  dear,  seeking  woman,  having  heard  of  my  intention 
of  being  at  Minden  at  this  time,  came  fifteen  miles  in 
the  morning  on  foot,  to  be  at  the  meeting,  but  being  de- 
tained in  crossing  a  river,  did  not  reach  Minden  in  time 
for  the  first  meeting:  she  attended  that  in  the  after- 
noon, which  was  also  a  blessed  time,  through  the  re- 
newing of  holy  help.  She  came  and  supped  with  us 
in  the  evening,  and  on  being  asked,  if  she  was  not  wea- 
ry with  her  walk,  replied,  "  Nay,"  seeming  rejoiced 
that  she  had  been  at  the  meeting.  Many  of  these  dear 
people  would  stand,  and  look  me  in  the  face  with  tears 
in  their  eyes,  regretting  that  they  were  notable  to  speak 
to  me,  telling  my  interpreter  that  the  language  of  their 
hearts  towards  me  was  love,  and  truly,  mine  often  over- 
flowed with  love  to  them. 

Second-day,  seventeenth,  I  requested  a  meeting  for 
friends  only,  which  was  held  at  the  house  where  we 
lodged,  a  little  out  of  the  town :  the  aforementioned 
woman,  and  another  sober  person  or  two,  also  attended 
it.  At  this  meeting  I  was  permitted,  to  dip  my  foot 
afresh,  as  it  were,  into  oil,  as  rejoicingly  so  perhaps,  as 
I  ever  experienced  and  O,  saith  my  soul,  what  shall 
we  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits,  which  we 
cannot  merit,  and  especially  such  eminent  condescend- 
ings  of  his  love  and  goodness  as  he  was  pleased  to  vouch- 
safe to  us  this  day,  under  a  humbling  sense  of  which, 
our  souls  seemed  melted  down  together  as  wax  before 
the  sun,  so  that  there  were  few,  if  any,  dry  cheeks  in 
the  meeting;  may  the  Lord  sanctify  this  favour  to  our 
lasting  benefit,  and  take  all  the  honour  to  himself,  unto 
whom  it  is  due,  now  and  forever,  amen. 

Third-day.  Early  in  the  morning  we  left  Minden  and 
returned  to  Pyrmont,  and  next  day  attended  the  week 
day  meeting  there,  which  was  a  comfortable  time  in  si- 


100 


JOUKNAL  OF 


[1801. 


lence,  and  1  had  to  believe  that  many  were  made  to  feel 
that  which  is  preferable  to  words  ;  may  they  grow  and 
prosper  therein. 

First-day,  twenty-third,  I  attended  the  two  meetings 
here  for  the  last  time  :  in  the  morning  I  was  pretty 
largely  opened  in  testimony,  and  it  was  a  precious  time  : 
in  the  afternoon  I  was  silent,  but  my  interpreter  had 
some  communication,  which  appeared  to  afford  satisfac- 
tion, and  to  command  stillness  in  the  meeting,  which 
had  been  somewhat  interrupted  by  a  man  in  liquor,  but 
ended  quietly. 

I  not  feeling  quite  easy  to  leave  Pyrmont  without 
seeing  friends  together  by  themselves,  proposed  such  a 
meeting  this  evening,  and  in  order  to  etfect  it,  they  met 
at  Peacedale,  and  a  few  others  under  convincement 
also  attended.  The  forepart  of  this  meeting  was  ra- 
ther hard  and  laborious,  requiring  great  deliberation 
in  delivering  what  I  had  to  say,  looking  well  for  the 
stepping  stones,  which  seemed  to  lay  in  such  an  in- 
tricate situation,  that  it  brought  discouragement  over 
me,  and  1  began  to  look  for  a  stopping  place,  when, 
blessed  be  the  Lord,  his  power  broke  in  upon  us,  and 
was  so  eminently  manifested,  that  it  proved  Hke  a  plen- 
tiful shower  upon  the  thirsty  ground,  and  we  were  ge- 
nerally broken  and  melted  down  before  the  Lord,  and 
his  great  name  was  praised,  who  alone  is  worthy,  now 
and  forevermore. 

After  this  memorable  meeting,  I  felt,  as  I  apprehend- 
ed, fully  released,  and  next  day,  being  the  twenty-fourth, 
Lewis  Seebohm  having  agreed  to  accompany  me  as  in- 
terpreter, I  took  my  solemn  leave  of  friends,  and  set  out 
for  Amsterdam  in  Holland,  about  two  hundred  and  forty 
miles  distant.  We  travelled  about  six  German  miles  to 
Bielfeldt,  where  we  got  a  pretty  comfortable  lodging. 


1801.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


101 


Twenty-fifth  and  twenty-sixth.  We  travelled  most  of 
these  two  days  among  Roman  Catholics,  and  along  the 
way  side  there  were  abundance  of  crosses  and  images, 
particularly  at  the  parting  of  roads :  at  the  most  noted 
places  was  the  pretended  image  of  our  Saviour,  which 
appeared  to  be  made  of  a  kind  of  alabaster,  and  was 
nailed  to  the  cross  in  the  attitude  of  expiring;  on  some 
of  them  was  also  represented  the  crown  of  thorns.  At 
other  places  were  images  of  Mary  and  the  child  Jesus, 
placed  on  stone  pillars,  and  also  likenesses  of  several  of 
the  saints.  O,  how  my  soul  secretly  mourned  over  the 
great  superstition  manifested  among  them  in  these  and 
other  respects  ;  yet  notwithstanding  their  ignorance, 
they  received  and  entertained  us  kindly  for  our  money, 
and  seemed  to  look  respectfully  on  us,  though  probably 
by  them  accounted  heretics.  Many  of  them  had  goodly 
countenances,  and  I  did  believe  were  sighing  under  their 
burdens ;  may  the  Lord  look  down  in  mercy  on  these, 
and  hasten  the  day  of  their  deliverance. 

Twenty-seventh.  We  entered  Holland,  and  making 
a  little  halt  at  the  first  town  we  passed  through,  I  fell 
my  mind  so  strongly  drawn  in  gospel  love  towards  the 
inhabitants,  that  I  could  not  help  thinking  of  a  meeting 
among  them,  and  mentioned  it  to  my  interpreter,  but 
no  way  seeming  to  open  then,  to  bring  it  about,  I  heavi- 
ly passed  on,  and  most  of  this  day  felt  rather  uncomfor- 
table. May  the  Lord  do  more  for  them  than  such  an 
opportunity  could  have  effected. 

Sixth-day,  twenty-eighth.  We  got  to  Utretcht,  a 
neat,  well  built  town,  on  the  Rhine,  where  we  lodged, 
and  on  seventh-day  we  had  a  very  agreeable  ride  of 
about  twenty-four  English  miles,  into  Amsterdam,  the 
road  lying  along  a  great  canal,  on  the  banks  of  which, 
for  a  considerable  part  of  the  distance,  were  beautiful 


102 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


country  houses  set  off  with  delightful  walks,  groves  of 
trees,  beautiful  arbours,  and  the  most  extravagant  tem- 
ples of  pleasure  I  had  ever  seen  in  any  country  ;  these 
were  surrounded  with  exte»sive  level  fields  of  grass, 
like  a  plain,  over  which  were  dispersed  herds  of  fine 
cattle  feeding.  In  viewing  these  delightful  improve- 
ments, which  were  like  a  pleasant  garden,  1  concluded 
within  myself,  that  if  these  people  were  but  gathered  in 
spirit  to  the  alone  source  of  all  true  and  permanent  hap- 
piness, and  to  an  humble  dependence  thereon,  this 
place  would  approach  the  nearest  to  a  paradise  below, 
of  any  situation  I  had  ever  seen.  But  alas,  a  disposi- 
tion quite  different  from  this  seemed  to  me  to  prevail  in 
this  country,  that  is,  to  say  soul  eat,  drink  and  enjoy  the 
good  of  all  thy  labour,  for  thou  hast  goods  laid  up  for 
many  years. 

Having  heard  of  a  few  religious  people  in  Amster- 
dam who  had  forsaken  the  national  worship,  and  for 
some  time  had  met  together,  and  sat  in  silence,  pretty 
much  in  the  way  of  Friends,  we  sought  them  out  this 
afternoon,  and  proposed  sitting  with  them  on  the  mor- 
row, of  which  they  seemed  glad. 

First-day,  thirtieth.  We  went  near  half  a  mile  from 
our  inn  to  meet  these  people,  and  sat  down  with  them. 
I  soon  felt,  as  I  apprehended,  that  although  their  out- 
ward appearance  was  not  much  like  friends,  their  be- 
ginning was  under  a  right  dispensation,  and  their  dispo- 
sition like  that  of  children  who  were  willing  to  be  in- 
structed. The  truths  of  the  gospel  ran  forth  like  pre- 
cious oil  amongst  them,  and  a  blessed  watering  time  we 
had,  both  in  the  morning  and  again  in  the  afternoon ; 
may  the  Lord  send  them  help  out  of  Zion,  saith  my 
soul. 

Second-day.  According  to  the  custom  of  this  place. 


1801.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


103 


we  gave  in  our  names,  places  of  abode  and  business, 
and  waited  on  the  Burgher's  office  with  our  passports  ; 
they  refused  at  first  to  admit  us  into  the  office  with  our 
hats  on,  though  my  interpreter  informed  them  that  we 
we  were  of  the  people  called  Quakers,  and  it  was  a  re- 
ligious scruple  we  had,  and  not  from  contempt  or  disre- 
spect to  any,  that  we  refused  that  honour  to  men  ;  one 
of  them  said,  in  a  scoffing  manner,  that  the  spirit  had 
not  told  him  so.  We  were  turned  into  a  long  entry, 
until  they  had  taken  counsel  of  their  committee,  as  they 
said;  and  after  we  had  waited  without,  a  considerable 
time,  which  we  were  favoured  to  do  patiently,  we  were 
called  in,  and  respectfully  received  with  our  hats  on. 
They  then  executed  our  business  and  discharged  us  in 
a  friendly  manner,  without  any  fees,  and  we  went  on 
our  way  rejoicing  that  we  had  been  enabled  to  bear 
this  little  testimony  on  behalf  of  Truth  and  Friends. 
We  then  went  and  spent  a  little  time  with  some  of 
those  friendly  people  aforementioned,  and  they  seemed 
to  rejoice  in  our  faithful  testimony  before  the  magis- 
trates, so  that  we  hoped  it  would  tend  to  their  encour- 
agement under  similar  trials. 

Fourth-day,  second  of  ninth  month.  We  attended  an- 
other meeting  with  the  aforementioned  friendly  people 
to  satisfaction.  There  are  now  no  members  of  our  re- 
ligious society  in  Amsterdam,  though  formerly  there 
wa^a  considerable  number,  the  remains  of  a  fine  meet- 
ing-house are  still  there,  which  with  a  considerable  pri- 
vilege attached  to  it,  belong  to  the  society,  and  are  un- 
der the  care  of  friends  in  England.  We  went  to  see 
the  house,  and  I  having  been  requested  by  the  meeting 
for  sufferings  in  London,  to  attend  to  some  business  res- 
pecting the  estate  belonging  to  friends  as  aforesaid,  they 
not  having  opportunity  to  do  it,  during  the  late  troubles 


104 


JOUHNAL  OF 


[1801. 


in  Europe,  we  undertook  to  examine  into  it  for  them, 
and  settle  it  as  well  as  we  could,  which  occupied  part 
of  two  days,  it  having  laid  a  considerable  time  neglect- 
ed, so  that  our  attention  appeared  to  be  very  season- 
able, and  gave  friends  in  England  good  satisfaction,  and 
we  were  glad  that  it  was  in  our  power  to  assist  them 
herein.  This  week  I  also  waited  on  our  American 
consul,  in  order  to  procure  a  passport  to  travel  in  France; 
he  treated  me  with  much  kindness  and  civility,  gave 
me  a  good  passport,  and  would  not  take  any  fee  for  it, 
though  entitled  to  it  in  virtue  of  his  office.  I  also  called 
at  the  French  consul's  office  the  same  day,  where  I  like- 
wise met  with  civility  and  attention,  and  got  my  pass- 
port endorsed  under  the  seal  of  the  French  Republic. 
We  went  to  see  several  religiously  disposed  people  in 
the  city,  not  those  we  first  met  with ;  staid  over  first- 
day,  and  attended  two  more  meetings  with  those  first 
mentioned  serious  people,  several  others  also  coming 
in,  these  were  both  favoured  opportunities  and  the 
evening  closed  peacefully,  blessed  be  the  Lord. 

Fourth-day,  Lewis  Seebohm  having  after  some  diffi- 
culty obtained  passports  to  travel  in  France,  this  morn- 
ing we  left  Amsterdam  and  took  our  journey  towards 
Antwerp  in  French  Flanders.  We  went  about  twenty- 
four  miles  this  day  in  a  treckschute,  along  a  large  canal 
to  a  town  called  Gouda,  where  we  lodged,  and  next 
day  took  the  mail  for  Antwerp :  we  travelled  until 
about  nine  o'clock  at  night,  when  my  interpreter  was 
taken  so  ill  that  we  were  obliged  to  stop  at  an  inn  until 
morning,  when  finding  himself  better  we  proceeded 
and  reached  Antwerp  about  tsn  o'clock.  After  taking 
some  refreshment  we  went  to  the  town-house,  and  pre- 
sented our  passports  for  examination,  they  received  us 
with  much  civility,  and  put  ofT  the  examination  for  a 


1801.] 


BICIIARD  JORDAN. 


10.5 


few  hoars  on  account  of  the  press  of  business,  fixing  an 
hour  for  us  to  come  again. 

We  went  accordingly  about  the  time  appointed,  and 
got  our  passports  endorsed  under  the  seal  of  the  French 
Republic,  and  delivered  to  us  very  respectfully,  so  much 
so,  that  1  told  the  principal  secretary,  if  I  lived  to  re- 
turn to  my  country  again,  I  should  take  pleasure  in 
speaking  well  of  French  civility  and  kindness;  beseem- 
ed somewhat  affected,  and  said  it  was  but  their  duty 
to  do  so,  and  took  his  leave  of  us  in  a  very  friendly 
manner.  Thus,  way  has  been  made  for  us  hitherto, 
even  in  the  minds  of  those  in  authority.  Our  endorse- 
ments recommended  us  to  the  Prefect's  office  in  Paris, 
and  we  journied  on  through  a  fine,  well  cultivated 
country,  and  lodged  in  a  neat  and  well  built  town  call- 
ed Ghent.  First-day,  twelfth,  travelled  in  a  very  heavy 
carriage  called  the  Diligence,  carrying  many  passen- 
gers, I  think  at  one  time  we  had  fifteen,  and  the  roads 
so  broken  up  in  some  places  that  we  were  obliged  to 
get  out  and  walk.  One  of  these  carriages  broke  down 
just  behind  us  in  the  evening,  but  we  were  favoured  to 
get  to  our  intended  lodging  place,  a  fine  town  called 
Lille,  where  we  were  put  into  a  room  the  most  extra- 
vagantly furnished  of  any  that  I  ever  lodged  in,  and  be- 
ing very  weary  1  soon  got  to  sleep.  On  second-day  we 
could  get  no  stage,  and  were  therefore  obliged  to  re- 
main at  Lille ;  but  on  third-day  we  proceeded,  though 
the  roads  in  some  places  were  so  bad  and  the  carriage 
heavy,  that  at  one  place  the  horses  stopped,  and  we 
all  got  out  to  walk,  but  my  interpreter  having  observed 
that  walking  fatigued  me,  persuaded  me  that  I  had 
better  get  in  again,  and  I  at  length  consented,  though  I 
did  not  feel  easy  with  it,  which  seems  as  though  the 
mind  sometimes  receives  a  presentiment  of  approaching 


106 


JODRNAL  OF 


[1801. 


distress.  T  believe  I  had  not  been  in  the  carriage  five 
minutes  before  the  horses  ran  off  the  causeway,  and 
overset  it  down  a  precipice  perhaps  twelve  or  fourteen 
feet.  The  fall  was  very  great,  and  the  postillion  seeing 
the  danger  jumped  from  his  seat,  before  the  carriage 
went  down,  leaving  all  to  me  who  was  shut  up  alone, 
and  had  no  chance  of  escape.  Ah  !  surely  it  is  of  the 
Lord's  mercy  that  1  am  left  to  give  this  account,  the 
passengers  who  saw  the  carriage  go  down  thought  I  was 
killed,  and  ran  back  as  quickly  as  they  could.  I  opened 
the  door,  and  begged  some  one  to  help  me  out,  when 
they  found  not  even  a  bone  broken,  only  my  right  hand 
was  strained,  and  my  leg  and  shoulder  on  the  same  side 
much  bruised.  The  French  passengers  were  all  very 
kind  in  assisting  me,  especially  a  lawyer  of  Paris,  %vho 
had  travelled  with  us  from  Gouda,  and  when  I  became 
so  ill  that  I  could  not  go  on  in  the  stage,  staid  with  us 
until  we  arrived  in  his  native  city  of  Paris,  which  was 
on  the  eighteenth,  his  name  was  Alexander  Moyanal. 
He  continued  his  kindness  as  long  as  we  staid  in  Paris, 
coming  frequently  nearly  a  mile  to  see  us,  and  several 
times  invited  us  to  dine  with  him.  Had  1  not  been  in 
so  much  pain  from  my  hurt,  I  think  I  should  have  en- 
joyed the  fine  prospects  in  this  beautiful  country ;  and 
I  may  safely  say  from  general  observation,  that  it  rather 
exceeds  any  country  I  have  ever  before  travelled  in. 

At  Paris  we  met  with  Abraham  Barker,  a  friend  from 
New  Bedford  in  North  America,  and  no  way  opening 
for  any  religious  meeting  at  this  place,  when  first-day 
came,  we  sat  down  together  in  our  hired  room  in  si- 
lence, and  a  sweet  time  it  was  to  me.  It  may  not  per- 
haps be  amiss  to  mention  how  we  were  treated  at  the 
municipality,  when  we  attended  to  present  our  pass- 
ports.   We  were  stopped  by  the  guards,  who  had  strict 


1801.] 


BICHAKD  JORDAN. 


107 


orders,  it  seems,  not  to  suffer  any  man  to  pass,  unless  he 
had  what  is  called  a  cockade  in  his  hat,  but  on  our  desir- 
ing our  guide  to  step  forward  and  inform  the  officers,  that 
we  were  of  the  people  called  Quakers,  and  that  our  not 
observing  those  signs  of  the  times  was  not  in  contempt 
of  authority,  or  disrespect  to  any  in  office,  but  from  a 
religious  scruple  in  our  own  minds,  it  being  the  same 
with  us  in  our  own  country,  they  readily  accepted  our 
reasons,  and  one  of  the  officers  came  and  took  us  by 
the  guards  and  so  up  into  the  chamber,  where  we  were 
suffered  to  remain  quietly  with  our  hats  on  until  our 
passports  were  examined  by  two  officers,  and  again  en- 
dorsed under  the  seal  of  the  republic,  permitting  us  to 
go  to  Calvisson  in  Languedoc.  Thus  it  often  appears 
to  me  that  we  make  our  way  better  in  the  minds  of  the 
people,  when  we  keep  strictly  to  our  religious  profes- 
sion, in  all  countries  and  amongst  all  sorts  of  persons. 
I  not  being  well  able  to  travel,  we  staid  here  for  several 
days,  and  though  no  way  seemed  to  open  for  a  religious 
meeting,  we  spread  several  books  which  we  had  taken 
with  us  for  that  purpose,  and  found  considerable  open- 
ness in  the  minds  of  the  people  to  receive  them,  they 
treated  us  with  much  civility  and  respect.  We  also 
went  to  Versailles  about  twelve  miles  from  Paris,  where 
we  met  with  some  friendly  people  who  seemed  glad  to 
see  us,  we  only  staid  here  one  day,  and  returned  to 
Paris.  Twenty-third  was  what  the  French  call  their 
Decade,  or  the  anniversary  of  their  revolution,  which 
seemed  to  be  kept  with  great  joy,  and  such  a  concourse 
of  people  as  were  collected  on  the  occasion,  1  never 
before  saw.  The  friend  aforementioned  and  myself 
took  a  walk  in  what  are  called  the  Elysian  fields,  and 
were  not  a  little  surprised  to  observe  the  order  that 
prevailed  throughout  this  vast  concourse.    I  think  we 


108 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


did  not  observe  one  drunken  man,  or  the  least  sign  of 
wrangling  and  scarcely  one  loud  sentence  spoken  among 
them,  neither  do  I  know  that  we  met  with  so  much  as 
a  sneer  from  one  of  them,  or  any  kind  of  insult,  notwith- 
standing the  singularity  which  our  appearance  must 
have  been  to  them. 

I  walked  out  a  few  other  times  during  our  stay  in 
Paris  for  the  benefit  of  fresh  air,  but  being  poorly  and 
sometimes  low  in  mind,  and  not  having  the  advantage 
of  the  language  to  converse  with  the  people,  I  staid 
much  in  my  chamber,  reading  in  my  bible,  which  1  had 
taken  along  with  me,  to  my  great  satisfaction. 

Sixth-day,  second  of  tenth  month.  We  left  Paris  and 
had  a  pretty  agreeable  journey  through  a  fine,  well 
cultivated  country  to  Lyons,  upwards  of  three  hundred 
miles,  where  we  staid  only  one  day.  Being  desirous  of 
getting  on  to  Congenies,  where  we  understood  there 
were  a  considerable  number  of  professors  with  us ;  we 
concluded  to  take  boat  and  go  down  the  Rhone,  a  very 
rapid  river,  as  being  more  agreeable  than  going  by  land  ; 
the  southern  parts  of  France  being  much  more  hilly 
than  those  we  had  passed  over.  On  fifth-day  we  got 
our  carriage  on  board  a  boat,  set  out  early  from  Lyons, 
and  had  a  pretty  fine  run  that  day,  but  it  came  on  so 
rainy  that  the  Rhone  became  dangerous  for  our  little 
boat.  Next  day  in  the  afternoon  we  got  out  our  car- 
riage and  went  on  again  by  land,  which  proved  a  mer- 
ciful deliverance  as  we  afterwards  understood  ;  for  the 
day  after  we  left  the  Rhone  a  boat  was  lost  with  a  con- 
siderable number  of  people  on  board,  who  were  all 
drowned. 

First-day,  eleventh.  Through  considerable  fatigue 
and  difficulty,  we  arrived  at  Congenies,  where  we  were 
kindly  received  by  Lewis  Majolier  and  bis  wife,  with 


1800.] 


BIOHAKD  JORDAN. 


109 


whom  we  put  up.  Third-day,  had  an  appointed  meet- 
ing at  this  place  with  those  under  our  name,  and  al- 
though we  found  them  in  a  very  weak  state,  and  not 
much  appearance  of  the  friend  about  them,  yet  it  proved 
through  the  renewal  of  holy  help  one  of  the  most  water- 
ing seasons  I  ever  experienced  in  a  meeting.  We  found 
it  necessary  to  use  great  deliberation  in  our  communi- 
cations in  order  to  be  at  all  understood,  so  general  a 
weeping  prevailed  at  hearing  the  sound  of  the  gospel  in 
plain,  simple  truths  delivered  among  them.  Next  day  we 
went  to  Nismes  about  ten  miles  distant,  and  visited  one 
or  two  under  our  name  there,  and  the  day  following 
we  went  to  a  place  called  St.  Giles  about  fifteen  miles 
from  Nismes,  close  on  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  and  said 
to  be  noted  formerly  for  containing  many  protestants, 
who  suffered  much,  especially  in  the  reign  of  Lewis 
XIV.  for  their  religious  principles,  which  occasioned 
a  great  dispersion  of  the  inhabitants  from  that  place,  and 
it  has  never  recovered,  being  now  only  a  small  town, 
but  the  remains  of  a  large  city.  There  are,  however, 
at  this  time,  a  number  who  make  some  profession  of 
our  principles  with  whom  we  had  a  meeting,  of  which 
they  seemed  glad,  though  it  was  not  so  open  as  the 
aforementioned  one  at  Congenies.  We  only  staid  one 
day,  and  then  returned  to  Congenies.  On  first-day 
morning,  attended  meeting  again  at  this  place,  which 
was  considerably  larger  than  the  first,  and  was  also  a 
time  of  favour.  After  this  meeting,  feeling  my  mind 
much  exercised  for  the  right  advancement  of  friends 
here,  I  proposed  a  meeting  to  be  held  at  some  suitable 
time,  which  was  acceded  to,  and  held  this  afternoon. 
My  mind  vvas  opened  and  enlarged  in  laying  their  weak 
and  disordered  state  before  them,  and  the  consequences 
of  having  no  rule  or  order  of  discipline  to  unite  them 


110 


JOURNAL  OP 


[1801. 


in  supporting  and  holding  up  the  testimonies  of  friends  ; 
many  seemed  fully  sensible  of  it,  and  confessed  in  much 
brokenness  that  their  deviations  had  been  such,  that 
they  had  been  only  usurpers  of  the  name  of  friends. 
This  was  truly  an  affecting  opportunity,  and  after  much 
time  had  been  spent,  in  which  many  with  weeping  la- 
mented their  situation,  it  was  proposed  to  hold  a  meet- 
ing next  day,  to  try  if  they  could  get  into  some  order, 
which  was  agreed  to,  and  in  the  evening  several  ar- 
ticles were  drawn  up  in  order  to  lay  before  them. 
Second-day,  a  meeting  for  business  was  accordingly 
held,  when  the  aforementioned  articles  were  laid  be- 
fore them.  They  consisted  of  sundry  heads  of  testimo- 
nies from  the  book  of  Extracts  of  London  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, accommodated  as  much  as  might  be  to  their  local 
and  weak  situation,  and  it  was  proposed  that  all  such 
among  them,  as  were  willing  and  desirous  of  support- 
ing these  rules  and  testimonies,  should  subscribe  them 
and  become  united  in  the  work.  This  proved  also  a 
time  of  general  weeping  and  brokenness,  and  I  could 
not  forbear  weeping  with  them.  I  think  about  thirty 
of  them  stood  up,  and  declared  their  willingness  and  de- 
sire to  support  and  maintain  these  rules  of  discipline  as 
proposed,  and  subscribed  thereto.  Others  confessed 
with  tears  that  they  felt  too  weak  to  engage  at  present, 
and  desired  to  know  whether  a  door  vv-ould  be  left  open 
for  them  hereafter,  in  case  they  should  be  better  able 
to  come  in  at  a  future  day.  After  a  considerable  time 
had  been  thus  spent,  and  they  had  appointed  some  of 
their  number  as  overseers,  &:c.  the  meeting  concluded, 
and  I  believe  many  minds  with  ours,  were  greatly  re- 
lieved :  may  the  Lord  prosper  the  work  in  their  hands 
to  his  own  glory — for  I  did  believe  in  our  passing  along 
in  this  country  that  there  was  a  precious  seed  in  many 


1801.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


Ill 


places,  that  would  at  some  future  day  be  gathered. 
May  the  Father  of  mercies  bow  down  his  gracious  ear 
to  the  groanings  thereof,  and  hasten  the  day  of  its  deli- 
verance. 

Fourth-day,  twenty-first.  Apprehending  myself  clear 
of  any  further  labour  among  these  people,  Lewis  See- 
bohm  and  I  parted;  he  concluded  to  stay  a  few  days 
longer  about  Congenies,  and  then  take  his  journey 
homewards  through  Switzerland,  and  I  proceeded  to- 
wards Bordeaux,  in  order  to  look  for  a  passage  to  some 
port  in  England.  This  proved  to  be  a  very  trying  jour- 
ney, it  being  between  two  and  three  hundred  miles, 
and  I  had  only  the  company  of  a  young  man  who  had 
lately  been  an  officer  in  the  French  army,  and  did  not 
understand  a  word  of  English ;  but  as  he  was  so  kind 
as  to  offer  himself,  and  it  being  the  best  shift  I  could 
then  make  for  a  pilot,  I  accepted  his  kind  offer,  and 
very  attentive  and  assisting  he  was  to  me,  so  far  as  we 
could  understand  each  other,  which  was  chiefly  by  the 
help  of  a  dictionary.  This  was  my  tried  situation  for 
about  eight  days,  for  meeting  with  some  accident  b)  the 
way,  by  getting  one  of  the  axletrees  of  our  carriage  bro- 
ken, and  also  having  some  very  stormy  weather,  we  did 
not  reach  Bordeaux  until  the  twenty-eighth.  I  hap- 
pened to  get  lodgings  with  pretty  orderly  people  near 
the  Quay,  where  I  met  with  some  who  could  speak  En- 
glish :  I  enquired  for  a  passage  to  England,  but  none 
seemed  immediately  to  offer,  and  as  it  was  now  growing 
late  in  the  fall  season,  when  a  passage  through  the  Bay 
of  Biscay  is  reckoned  dangerous,  I  was  under  the  neces- 
sity of  taking  one  as  soon  as  it  offered,  or  else  to  travel 
through  the  country  six  or  seven  hundred  miles,  to  Ca- 
lais or  Dunkirk,  and  this  without  an  interpreter,  the 
young  man  aforementioned  having  left  me  and  returned 


112 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1801. 


home.  Such  was  again  my  trying  situation  ;  alone,  far  se- 
parated from  all  my  dear  friends  and  connections,  and  in 
a  great  straight  to  know  rightly  what  to  do  for  the  best : 
Lord,  look  down  upon  me  in  mercy  ;  preserve  and  sup- 
port me  under  these  dispensations,  and  be  pleased  to 
show  me  the  way  that  I  should  go,  for  thou  knowest  me 
altogether,  and  my  desire  to  trust  in  thy  eternal  Provi- 
dence !  O,  withdraw  not  thy  soul-animating  presence, 
altogether  from  me,  but  preserve  me  in  these  proving 
seasons,  and  keep  me,  O  my  God,  in  every  hour  of  temp- 
tation and  trial,  that  so  I  may  not  wound  and  become 
a  reproach  to  thy  holy  cause,  where  my  lot  is  cast,  nor 
make  sorrow  and  repentance  for  my  own  soul,  but  that 
through  thy  holy  aid,  O  my  God,  I  may  yet  be  enabled 
to  sing  thy  praises  on  the  banks  of  deliverance,  for  unto 
Thee  only  is  praise  due,  now  and  forevermore  ! 

Sixth-day,  thirtieth,  I  wrote  letters  to  my  dear  wife 
and  others  in  America.  It  was  nearly  two  weeks  from 
this  time  before  I  could  engage  a  passage  to  answer  my 
purpose,  but  at  length  one  offered  by  a  Danish  brig 
bound  for  the  island  of  Gurnsey,  and  1  concluded  to 
embrace  this  opportunity,  and  cast  myself  entirely  on 
that  all-supporting  arm  of  Omnipotence  which  sustains 
the  earth,  and  rules  the  raging  sea. 

I  may  now  remark,  that  although  much  of  the  time  1 
have  been  waiting  here  has  seemed  almost  like  impri- 
sonment, and  at  times  as  if  forsaken  both  of  friends  and 
the  world,  yet  as  I  have  endeavoured  to  renew  my 
trust  and  confidence  in  the  eternal  Arm,  blessed  be  his 
ever  adorable  name,  through  the  renewing  of  his  infinite 
love  and  mercy  to  my  soul,  my  lonely  room,  especially 
during  the  latter  part  of  my  stay  here,  has  been  made 
to  me  as  a  pleasant  museum,  wherein  I  have  been  fa- 
voured with  precious  openings  into  some  of  the  wonder- 


lOOl.] 


BICHAED  JORDAN. 


113 


ful  works  both  of  nature  and  of  grace,  to  my  own  hum- 
ble rejoicing  in  the  eternal  Providence,  and  I  was  made 
a  renewed  believer  therein.  O,  my  God,  how  un- 
searchable  is  thy  wisdom,  how  boundless  and  unfathom- 
able are  the  riches  of  thy  goodness  and  mercy  ;  thy 
ways  are  hid  as  in  the  great  deep,  and  past  finding  out ; 
who  shall  refuse  to  adore  thee,  who  art  the  everlasting 
Father  and  God  over  all !  Shall  not  all  nations  bow  be- 
fore thee,  who  hast  made  both  the  seas  and  the  dry 
land,  and  hast  appointed  unto  them  the  bounds  of  their 
habitations,  for  the  Lord  of  Hosts  remains  to  be  thy 
name  !  O,  the  fall  of  Adam  ;  and  how  all  his  offspring 
have  been  and  are  aQ'ected  by  it :  1  have  been  made  to 
see  and  to  believe  it  ;  and  the  means  appointed  for  their 
redemption,  and  how  it  is  to  be  effected,  1  have  seen 
and  do  most  assuredly  believe  in  :  O,  well  might  the 
poor  man  mentioned  in  the  gospel,  cry  out,  "  Lord,  I  be- 
lieve ;  help  thou  mine  unbelief."  O,  who  can  disbe- 
lieve in  Christ  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  the  world  !  in  his 
manhood,  sufferings  and  death  therein !  also  in  his 
divinity  and  eternal  power;  the  Redeemer  and  Savi- 
our, in  whom,  as  testified  by  the  apostle,  dwells  all  the 
fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily.  Tremble,  O  ye  Deists, 
before  Him,  unto  whom  all  judgment  is  committed,  that 
all  men  might  honour  him,  even  as  the  Father  is  hon- 
oured. This  is  the  Stone  which  was  set  at  nought  and 
rejected  by  you  wise  builders,  but  truly  it  is  elect  of 
God  and  precious ;  and  by  Him  all  your  buildings  will 
be  tried,  whether  you  will  or  not;  although  you  may, 
in  your  wisdom,  carry  your  fabric  to  a  prodigious  height 
like  Nimrod,  yet  in  the  day  of  his  power  when  he  shall 
come  to  inspect  your  work,  it  shall  fare  no  better  than 
Nimrod's  did:  O,  tremble,  lest  confusion  and  everlast- 
ing disappointment  be  your  portion  ! — But  O,  my  God, 


114 


JOITRNAL  OF 


[1801. 


be  thou  pleased  to  strengthen  and  enable  me  from  time 
to  time,  to  hold  fast  even  unto  the  end  what  thou  hast 
now  been  pleased  to  renew  in  my  soul,  and  given  me  to 
believe  most  firmly.  Amen. 

Sixth-day,  thirteenth  of  eleventh  month,  I  went  on 
board  the  brig  Mercurius,  Ole  Nelson  captain,  and  all 
the  crew  Danes ;  but  such  was  his  delay,  that  although 
he  was  to  have  sailed  a  week  or  ten  days  before  this 
time,  yet  it  was  a  full  week  after  I  got  on  board  before 
tliey  weighed  anchor,  which  1  very  much  regretted,  it 
being  fine  weather. 

Sixth-day,  twentieth.  Weighed  anchor,  and  fell  down 
a  little  below  the  shipping,  which  we  did  not  effect  with- 
out some  apparent  danger,  there  being  abundance  of 
shipping  in  port  and  the  current  very  rapid.  Next  day 
we  fell  down  a  few  leagues  further,  and  got  a  pilot  on 
board  in  order  to  put  to  sea,  when  the  wind  turned 
against  us,  and  the  weather  became  so  rainy,  that  al- 
though we  kept  the  pilot  on  board  a  full  week,  we  only 
made  about  tvi'enty  leagues  from  Bordeaux,  the  wind 
continuing  ahead  until  first-day,  the  thirteenth  of  twelfth 
month  ;  sometimes  it  blew  so  hard,  that  several  ships 
drifted,  and  others  were  driven  from  their  anchors  ; 
one  sloop  sunk,  which  we  saw  drifting  near  us  with  her 
topmast  only  above  water,  but  we  could  not  learn  whe- 
ther the  men  were  saved  or  lost :  this  sight  was  very 
awful  to  me. 

Now  the  wind  coming  fair  for  us,  we  weighed  an- 
chor and  put  to  sea,  and  had  a  fine  run  for  about  twen- 
ty-four hours.  There  were  two  other  passengers  on 
board,  one  a  Scotch,  the  other  an  Irishman,  both  lately 
from  the  English  navy,  and  we  all  begun  to  hope  now 
for  a  speedy  passage  :  but,  alas  !  for  causes  unknown  to 
us,  how  are  all  our  pleasant  prospects  sometimes  blast- 


1801.] 


HICHAKD  JORDAN. 


116 


ed ;  for  in  the  afternoon  of  the  fourteenth,  the  wind 
shifted  and  came  right  against  us,  and  presently  blew  so 
strong  that  we  were  obliged  to  heave  to,  with  only  our 
foresail  spread,  and  let  her  drive  wheresoever  the  wind 
and  waves  would  carry  us  ;  and  this  seemed  to  be  only 
the  beginning  of  our  sorrows,  for  from  this  time  we  had 
contrary  winds  almost  constantly,  and  at  times  such  vio- 
lent storms  and  high  seas  that  we  were  mightily  tossed, 
and  so  beaten  by  the  heavy  seas,  that  we  were  in  dan- 
ger of  being  shattered  to  pieces  by  the  violence  of  the 
waves  ;  at  other  times  swallowed  up  in  the  belly  of  the 
mighty  deep  as  though  we  were  going  down,  never  to 
rise  again;  first  driven  near  upon  the  French  coast, 
which  was  very  rocky  and  dangerous,  and  then  upon 
the  English  :  we  several  times  saw  the  English  land, 
but  so  mightily  had  we  been  driven  about,  that  our  ma- 
riners hardly  knew  where  we  were,  and  our  brig  be- 
came so  leaky,  that  it  was  with  much  difficulty  and 
hard  labour,  that  our  poor  seamen  could  free  her  of  wa- 
ter by  the  pumps. 

At  length,  our  captain  was  determined,  if  possible,  to 
get  into  the  first  port  we  could  make,  and  therefore  on 
the  twenty-eighth,  we  stood  in  for  the  land,  early  in  the 
morning,  and  about  eleven  o'clock  we  came  so  near  in 
with  the  land,  that  they  thought  they  knew  it  to  be 
Portland,  and  we  were  beginning  to  rejoice  again  in  the 
prospect  of  soon  getting  into  safe  harbour,  when  per- 
haps about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  they  con- 
cluded they  were  deceived,  and  could  not  find  any 
port  before  dark,  and  we  might  be  in  danger  of 
driving  upon  the  land  in  the  night,  therefore  with  fallen 
countenances  were  standing  out  to  sea  again,  when  pro- 
videntially a  pilot  espied  us,  and  gave  us  a  sign,  which 
we  returned,  and  gladly  received  him  on  board,  and 


JOURNAL  OP 


[1801. 


that  evening  he  brought  us  into  Dartmouth  bay,  where 
we  were  obliged  to  anchor  for  want  of  wind  and  tide: 
however  they  rose  between  three  and  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  and  weighed  anchor  again,  and  after  con- 
siderable exertion  we  got  safe  into  the  port  of  Dart- 
mouth, about  twelve  at  noon,  when  I  was  favoured 
once  more  to  set  my  foot  on  firm  ground,  which  1  had 
not  done  before  in  more  than  forty  days.  I  was  direct- 
ly conducted  to  the  house  of  Walter  Prideaux,  a  very 
kind  friend,  and  I  think  the  only  one  under  our  name 
living  in  Dartmouth.  I  met  with  a  very  kind  reception 
at  his  house,  although  I  was  an  entire  stranger,  and  had 
no  credentials  about  me,  having  left  my  baggage  on  ship 
board.  I  was  truly  glad  and  thankful  in  heart,  for  the 
merciful  deliverance  vouchsafed  to  me  from  being  in- 
tombed  in  the  mighty  deep,  though,  blessed  be  God,  in 
whom  I  was  enabled  to  put  my  trust,  when  the  coun- 
tenances of  the  mariners  wore  a  dismal  aspect,  and  all 
hope  of  being  saved  was  nearly  gone,  I  never  quite  lost 
my  confidence  ;  no,  not  for  a  moment,  even  in  the 
greatest  extremity  of  danger.  At  one  time  in  particu- 
lar, when  I  verily  thought  we  were  going  down  to  the 
bottom,  never  more  to  rise,  being  so  deeply  covered 
with  the  rolling  surge  that  the  mighty  roaring  thereof 
ceased  to  sound  in  our  ears,  and  there  was  a  profound 
silence  in  the  ship  ;  even  then  did  my  mind  feel  so  calm 
and  quiet,  that  I  could  not  doubt  of  being  clasped  in  the 
arms  of  everlasting  love  ;  and  I  yielded  to  his  blessed 
will,  saying  in  secret.  Lord,  if  it  be  thy  blessed  will  that 
this  shall  be  my  grave,  I  yield,  if  I  may  but  go  down 
clasped  in  the  arms  of  thine  everlasting  love,  or  if  thou 
art  pleased  to  bring  me  safe  to  land  again,  I  will  surely 
sing  thy  praise,  I  will  tell  of  thy  goodness  in  the  congre- 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


117 


gallon  of  thy  people,  I  will  speak  of  thj  wondrous 
works. 

Hearing  there  was  to  be  a  quarterly  meeting  held 
next  day  at  Kingsbridge,  about  twelve  miles  from  this 
place,  I  felt  very  desirous  of  being  at  it,  and  therefore 
took  horse,  though  perhaps  after  sunset,  being  accom- 
panied by  George  Prideaux,  a  kind  young  man,  and 
nephew  to  the  above  mentioned  friend.  We  got  to 
Kingsbridge  about  eight  o'clock,  though  it  was  very 
dark  and  rainy,  and  the  country  very  mountainous,  and 
being  clear  of  wood,  I  thought  in  the  evening  the  hills 
somewhat  resembled  the  mighty  waves  in  the  bay  of 
Biscay.  The  young  man  took  me  to  his  father's  house, 
where  I  was  also  very  kindly  received  and  agreeably 
accommodated.  Next  day  I  attended  the  quarterly 
meeting,  which  though  small,  was  a  blessed  time,  and  I 
trust  will  not  soon  be  forgotten  by  many  of  us  then  pre- 
sent, but  long  had  in  remembrance  as  a  fresh  memorial 
of  the  Lord's  love  and  mercy  to  our  souls. 

Fifth-day,  thirty-first,  was  their  week-day  meeting  at 
this  place,  which  I  attended,  it  was  also  a  precious 
opportunity,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  causeth  all 
things  to  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  and 
fear  him. 

Sixth-day,  first  of  first  month,  1802.  Finding  myself 
much  reduced -and  exhausted  in  my  nature,  I  have  con- 
cluded to  accept  the  kind  invitation  of  these  dear  friends, 
where  I  lodge,  to  stay  with  them  awhile,  and  endeavour 
to  recruit,  before  I  proceed  further  on  my  journey, 
though  I  have  attended  meetings  here  constantly  as  they 
come  in  course,  both  on  first  and  week-days. 

Fourth-day,  thirteenth,  1  went  tb^k  monthly  meeting 
at  Modbury,  where  I  sat  the  meeting  through  in  peace- 
ful silence,  and  returned  again  to  Kingsbridge  in  the 


118 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802. 


evening.  First-day,  twenty-fourlh,  this  morning  at  meet- 
ing I  was  awfully  engaged,  and  my  heart  enlarged  in 
solemn  prayer  and  supplication  for  all  my  home  friends 
and  their  meetings  in  general,  that  the  blessing  of  preser- 
vation might  be  vouchsafed  ;  as  also  for  all  those  engaged 
in  like  manner  with  myself  to  leave  their  all  for  the 
gospel's  sake,  and  that  the  great  and  glorious  work 
thereof  might  be  carried  on  to  the  praise  of  the  great 
name. 

Second-day,  twenty-fifth,  went  to  Dartmouth,  and 
next  evening  had  a  large  public  meeting  there,  made  up 
of  a  mixed  multitude,  who  behaved  well  while  many 
gospel  truths  were  delivered  to  them,  with  which  they 
appeared  to  be  well  satisfied,  and  the  meeting  con- 
cluded in  a  solemn  manner,  after  it  had  held  about  three 
hours ;  a  number  of  the  people,  as  I  understood  after- 
wards, were  desirous  of  another  meeting.  I  also  went  to 
see  the  ship  in  which  I  had  witnessed  so  marvellous  a 
deliverance,  and  found  her  in  dock,  and  many  workmen 
were  employed  in  repairing  her,  for  so  much  was  she 
wrecked  that  I  was  informed,  she  narrowly  escaped 
being  condemned  as  not  sea-worthy,  the  captain  and 
crew  seemed  much  rejoiced  to  see  me  again. 

Fifth-day,  fourth  of  second  month,  went  to  Modbury 
again,  and  staid  until  second-day  morning,  in  which 
time  I  attended  three  meetings,  all  times  of  favour,  re- 
turned to  Kingsbridge,  and  attended  a  monthly  meeting 
on  fourth-day,  for  the  friends  of  Plymouth,  Modbury, 
Kingsbridge  and  Dartmouth,  which  was  also  a  time 
of  favour.  Fifth-day,  eleventh,  in  the  evening  had  a 
large  public  meeting  with  the  town's  people,  which 
was  attended  with  gveat  solemnity,  many  gospel  truths 
were  delivered  to  them,  which  seemed  to  be  received 
with  joy  and  gladness,  and  I  did  believe  there  were 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


119 


many  seeking  minds  amongst  them.  I  now  began  to  look 
towards  leaving  Kingsbridge,  a  place  which  I  trust  will 
not  soon  be  forgotten  by  me,  but  long  be  remembered 
with  gratitude  for  the  many  favours  which  I  was  made 
partaker  of  while  there.  I  had  proposed  setting  off  on 
the  morrow,  but  being  a  little  unwell  and  not  feeling 
quite  clear  in  my  mind,  I  staid  until  first-day,  and  had 
another  precious  opportunity  with  friends  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  feeling  my  mind  again  drawn  towards  the 
townspeople,  I  requested  friends  to  inform  them  that 
the  doors  would  be  opened  in  the  afternoon,  for  all  that 
were  disposed  to  come,  which  was  done,  and  they  came 
together  in  such  abundance  that  the  house  could  not 
contain  them,  and,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  this  was  through 
the  manifestation  of  his  goodness  and  power  a  crowned 
opportunity  which  I  humbly  trust  will  not  soon  be  for- 
gotten. Many  of  these  dear  people,  who  could  not  get 
seats,  I  believe  stood  quietly  near  three  hours,  such  was 
the  solemnity  that  prevailed  in  this  large  meeting  :  may 
the  Lord  have  all  the  praise  to  whom  alone  it  is  due 
now  and  forevermore.  Amen. 

Second-day,  fifteenth,  after  an  affectionate  and  solemn 
farewell  with  the  dear  children  of  this  agreeable  family, 
where  I  have  been  abundantly  cared  for  in  the  time  of 
need,  and  having  the  company  of  their  dear  father  and 
mother,  George  and  Anna  Prideaux,  I  left  Kings- 
bridge,  and  rode  to  Plymouth,  where  I  put  up  with 
James  Fox,  and  on  fourth-day  attended  a  meeting  of 
friends  at  this  place  in  which  T  was  silent.  First-day, 
twenty-firstj  I  attended  two  meetings  at  the  same  place 
in  which  1  was  again  raised  up  in  the  authority  of  Truth 
to  preach  the  gospel  to  a  pretty  large  audience,  and 
felt  considerably  relieved.  Fourth-day,  attended  the 
week-day  meeting,  which  was  a  solemn  time,  wherein 


120 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802. 


the  testimony  went  forth  in  a  close  searching  man- 
ner. 

First-day,  first  of  third  month,  in  the  morning  en- 
larged in  testimony  ;  in  the  afternoon  silent :  staid  their 
week-day  meeting  again,  and  was  considerably  enlarged 
in  testimony,  but  still  I  do  not  feel  clear  to  leave  Ply- 
mouth; Lord  preserve  me  in  the  right  way  and  give  me  to 
understand  thy  dispensations  towards  me,  and  be  pleased 
to  grant  me  renewals  of  strength  and  patience  from 
time  to  time,  to  abide  them  all. 

First-day,  eighth.  Again  attended  the  fore  and  after- 
noon meetings  but  was  shut  up  throughout  both,  in  deep 
inward  exercise.  Their  monthly  meeting  was  held 
here  this  week  which  I  also  attended,  and  blessed  be 
the  Lord,  the  alone  Helper  of  his  people,  he  was  pleas- 
ed to  give  the  remnant  of  the  deeply  suffering  souls  to 
drink  of  living  water  to  their  humble  rejoicing  in  his 
salvation.  Seventh-day,  feeling  clear  of  this  place,  and 
having  the  company  of  George  Prideaux  1  set  out  for 
Cornwall,  and  took  the  following  meetings ;  viz.  Ger- 
mains,  Looe,  Liskard,  Aristoll,  Mavegessey  ;  in  the  two 
last  I  was  opened  in  a  good  degree  of  clearness  and  gos- 
pel authority,  I  humbly  trust  to  the  edification  of  many 
as  well  as  the  peace  of  my  own  mind.  And  O, 
may  I  be  enabled  to  keep  that  testimony,  "  he  openeth 
and  no  manshutteth,  and  shutteth  and  no  man  openeth." 
Ah  !  when  he  shutteth,  who  dare  attempt  to  open  ;  and 
O,  may  I  be  preserved  from  being  numbered  among 
those  that  "  compass  themselves  about  with  sparks  of 
their  own  kindling,"  whose  portion  is  to  "  lie  down 
in  sorrow." 

Sixth-day,  reached  Falmouth,  and  on  first-day  at- 
tended both  the  meetings  of  friends  at  this  place,  in  the 
afternoon  had  a  favoured  time  in  testimony,  this  being 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


121 


only  the  third  meeting  out  of  seven  since  we  left  Ply- 
mouth, in  which  I  have  been  able  to  open  my  mouth 
in  public.  Fourth-day,  I  sat  the  week-day  meeting 
through  in  deep  silent  exercise ;  after  meeting  went  to 
see  a  woman  friend  who  was  very  ill,  and  perhaps  near 
her  end  in  this  world.  I  had  a  comfortable  opportunity 
by  her  bedside,  which  was  also  a  precious  season  to 
some  others  present :  after  this,  visited  another  family 
or  two,  and  returned  to  my  lodgings. 

Fifth-day,  went  to  Perran  wharf,  and  attended  a  small 
meeting  of  friends  there,  which  was  a  blessed  time  ;  in 
the  evening  returned  to  Falmouth ;  and  feeling  consider- 
ably unwell,  I  continued  mostly  at  my  lodgings  until 
first-day,  when  I  attended  the  meeting  here  again  in  the 
morning,  and  went  to  Perran-wharf  in  the  afternoon, 
and  attended  theirs,  both  to  pretty  good  satisfaction. 
Spent  a  little  time  here  with  friends,  returned  to  Fal- 
mouth, and  was  at  their  monthly  meeting  on  fourth-day, 
thirty-first,  and  set  out  the  same  afternoon  for  the  Land's 
End,  taking  the  following  meetings,  viz :  Hilstone,  a 
public  meeting  at  the  same  place,  Marazion,  and  so 
to  Redruth,  and  attended  both  their  meetings  on  first- 
day.  Next  day  returned  to  Falmouth,  and  fourth-day, 
the  seventh  of  fourth  month,  attended  the  quarterly 
meeting  there,  which  was  a  deeply  exercising  time,  both 
in  silence  and  in  public  labour  ;  but  in  the  conclusion 
]  felt  considerable  relief,  though  I  did  not  yet  seem 
quite  clear  in  leaving  the  place,  and  therefore  I  en- 
deavoured patiently  to  wait  the  Lord's  time,  being 
very  desirous  of  seeing  my  way  out  of  places,  as  well 
as  into  them.  After  this  meeting  I  visited  several 
friends,  and  attended  their  two  meetings  again  on  first- 
day,  which  were  times  of  deep  inward  exercise,  though 
1  was  opened  a  little  in  the  afternoon.    O  Lord,  when 


122 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802. 


shall  I  be  released  from  this  almost  constant  weight  and 
burden,  by  which  my  poor  soul  is  so  much  borne  down 
and  afflicted  in  this  place.  Not  feeling  yet  liberated  I 
was  afraid  to  move  under  the  cloud,  and  therefore  en- 
deavoured to  wait  in  the  patience  a  little  longer,  if  hap- 
pily I  might  be  favoured  to  tind  a  peaceful  retreat.  So 
I  staid  another  meeting  with  them  on  fourth-day,  four- 
teenth, where  I  was  enlarged  in  a  particularly  close 
searching  testimony  to  some  states,  which  perhaps  are 
not  often  reached  by  instruments,  the  meeting  conclud- 
ed in  solemn  prayer  and  supplication ;  many  minds 
seemed  to  be  humbled;  and  blessed  be  the  Lord,  at  the 
conclusion  of  this  meeting,  I  felt  quite  relieved  and  unbur- 
dened in  my  spirit ;  praised  be  his  glorious  name  forever. 

We  took  our  solemn  leave  of  friends  here,  and  went 
to  Perran  wharf  to  dinner,  and  there  being  a  large  iron 
foundry,  &c.  here,  we  had  a  meeting  with  the  people 
in  the  evening  which  was  a  highly  favoured  opportu- 
nity. Next  day  went  on  our  way  back  to  Plymouth 
and  reached  it  the  day  following,  viz :  sixth-day,  the 
sixteenth. 

First-day,  attended  the  fore  and  afternoon  meetings, 
which  were  times  of  deep  wading  and  close  exercise 
without  much  relief:  here  also  I  seemed  to  be  kept  in 
a  state  of  imprisonment,  (as  I  had  been  at  Falmouth) 
until  the  twenty-ninth,  in  which  time  I  had  one  public 
meeting,  and  attended  sundry  meetings  with  friends,  and 
much  of  the  time  I  was  so  covered  and  borne  down  un- 
der inward  exercise  and  suffering,  that  I  ate  but  little 
pleasant  bread ;  but  blessed  be  the  Lord,  as  I  endea- 
voured patiently  to  wait  his  time,  he  was  pleased  to 
grant  a  clear  and  satisfactory  release,  so  that  at  the 
conclusion  of  a  meeting  the  day  before  I  set  out,  the 
joyful  intimation  was  given,  "  thou  hast  encompassed 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


t23 


this  mountain  long  enough."  I  received  it  with  heart- 
felt gratitude  and  joy,  and  left  the  place  quile  relieved. 
Next  day  got  to  Exeter  and  staid  over  their  two  meet- 
ings on  first-day,  which  were  on  the  whole  solid  in- 
structive opportunities. 

Third-day,  fourth  of  fifth  month,  I  got  to  Chard,  and 
had  a  precious  meeting  with  a  few  friends  there  the 
same  evening;  next  day  reached  Compton,  and  the  day 
following  attended  a  week-day  meeting  there,  which 
w-as  made  up  chiefly  of  Thomas  Thompson's  scholars  ; 
this  was  also  a  solid  opportunity.  I  got  to  Marnhull  the 
same  evening,  where  I  met  with  dear  Deborah  Darby, 
and  we  were  truly  gladdened  in  seeingeach  other,  as  also 
her  old  companion  Rebecca  Byrd,  who  now  resides 
here  with  her  husband.  First-day,  we  attended  two 
meetings,  in  both  of  which  I  was  silent.  Third-day, 
eleventh,  attended  a  monthly  meeting  at  Sherburne  in 
which  I  was  also  silent,  but  dear  Deborah  Darby  was 
set  at  liberty  in  an  affecting  manner  much  to  the  relief 
of  my  mind.  Fourth-day,  twelfth,  attended  the  week- 
day meeting  at  Marnhull,  where  I  was  opened  in  a 
short  testimony  to  the  relief  of  my  own  mind  ;  and  on 
fifth-day,  accompanied  by  William  Raws,  junior,  and 
his  wife,  I  set  out  for  London,  distant  about  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  miles.  I  had  a  very  agreeable  journey 
with  these  two  valuable  friends,  who  were  very  kind 
caretakers,  arriving  in  London  next  afternoon,  where  I 
was  again  kindly  received  by  my  old  friends  Josiah 
Messer  and  wife  of  Holborn. 

First-day,  sixteenth.  Attended  two  meetings  at  West- 
minster ;  second-day,  two  sittings  of  the  yearly  meet- 
ing of  ministers  and  elders,  and  another  sitting  of  the 
same  on  third-day  morning,  at  Grace  Church  street, 
most  of  which  were  solid,  good  opportunities,  and  friends 


124 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802- 


seemed  glad  to  see  me  returned  from  so  trying  and  pe- 
rilous a  journey  as  that  on  the  continent  of  Europe. 

Fourth-day,  nineteenth.  The  yearly  meeting  for  bu- 
siness opened,  which  was  a  solid  opportunity,  as  were 
the  sittings  next  day.  Sixth-day,  all  the  meeting  houses 
of  Friends  in  the  city  were  opened  for  worship  ;  I  at- 
tended that  at  Grace  Church  street,  which  was  a  good 
time.  The  yearly  meeting  proceeded  with  its  business 
until  first-day,  when  the  meeting  houses  were  again 
opened  for  worship,  both  in  the  fore  and  afternoon. 
Second  and  third  days,  the  yearly  meeting  continued  its 
sittings,  and  on  fourth-day  meetings  for  worship  were 
held.  I  attended  at  Southwark  meeting  house,  which 
was  an  exercising  time  to  me,  but  I  was  favoured  to  re- 
heve  my  mind,  so  that  I  left  it  peacefully ;  in  the  after- 
noon the  yearly  meeting  resumed  its  business.  Fifth- 
day,  soon  after  the  meeting  gathered,  I  proposed  a  visit 
to  our  women  friends  in  their  apartment,  which  was 
readily  acceded  to ;  it  proved  a  precious  opportunity, 
and  the  day  closed  peacefully  ;  blessed  be  the  Lord. 

Sixth-day  morning,  the  twenty-eighth.  The  yearly 
meeting  for  business  concluded  in  a  solid  manner,  and 
in  the  afternoon  the  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  met, 
which  was  a  time  of  renewed  favour,  such  as  I  trust 
will  long  be  had  in  grateful  remembrance  ;  in  this  con- 
cluding opportunity  I  was  permitted  to  be  as  it  were 
numbered  among  the  princes ;  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
who  causelh  all  things  to  work  together  for  good  to  them 
that  love  and  fear  him  ;  sanctifying  their  toils  and  ex- 
ercises, at  times,  to  their  own  peace  and  rejoicing. 

First-day,  the  thirtieth.  1  attended  Devonshire-house 
meeting,  wherein  I  was  enlarged  in  testimony  on  the 
fall  of  man,  also  on  the  subject  of  his  redemption  and 
restoration  to  the  favour  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ : 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


125 


this  was  a  solemn  time,  the  meeting  was  large,  and  many 
not  professing  with  us  were  present,  but  one  stood  up 
in  the  meeting  (who  was  in  profession  with  us,)  and  ex- 
pressed something  like  lessening  the  validity  and  weight 
of  this  doctrine.  I  had  felt  that  spirit  at  work  in  many 
places,  and  in  some  it  had  openly  made  its  appearance. 
I  was  also  engaged  in  prayer  and  supplication  in  this 
meeting,  and  near  the  conclusion  was  concerned  to 
stand  forth  and  testify,  that  I  had  travelled  in  most 
parts  of  North  America,  and  also  in  most  places  in  Eu- 
rope where  Friends  were  scattered,  and  that  we  were 
uniformly,  as  a  religious  body,  of  the  same  principles, 
and  held  forth  the  same  doctrines,  as  I  had  done  in  that 
meeting,  or  words  to  this  import ;  the  meeting  seemed 
clothed  with  a  profound  solemnity,  and  so  concluded, 
and  I  went  my  way  rejoicing,  believing  that  many  were 
made  to  rejoice  with  me,  in  the  Hope  of  Israel ;  blessed 
be  the  Lord  who  gave  the  victory  this  day.  In  the  af- 
ternoon I  attended  the  meeting  at  Grace  Church  street, 
where  I  met  with  my  friend  Joseph  Cloud,  from  North 
America. 

Second-day,  thirty-first.  The  dear  family  with  whom 
I  sojourn  removed  out  of  the  city  to  Hampstead,  and 
took  me  with  them,  which  I  find  a  pleasant  retreat  from 
the  noise  of  London.  Returned  to  the  city  on  fifth-day, 
and  attended  the  week  day  meeting  at  Westminster. 
Sixth  and  seventh-day,  staid  mostly  about  Hampstead, 
and  wrote  letters  to  America. 

First-day,  sixth.  1  attended  the  two  meetings  of 
friends  at  Tottenham,  which  were  solid  opportunities 
through  the  fresh  ext^ings  of  holy  help.  Fourth-day 
attended  the  monthly  meeting  of  Grace  Church  street, 
and  next  day  the  meeting  at  Westminster.  First-day, 
was  at  the  meetings  of  Westminster  again,  in  which  I 


126 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802. 


was  silent,  as  I  had  been  in  the  week  day  meeting  pre- 
ceding. Second-day,  fourteenth,  attended  the  morning 
meeting  of  ministers  and  elders,  where  I  communicated 
to  friends  my  apprehension  of  having  pretty  nearly  ful- 
filled my  prospects  in  coming  to  Europe,  and  my  ex- 
pectation of  soon  being  at  liberty  to  return  to  my  own 
country ;  this  was  a  blessed  opportunity,  and  several 
friends  were  appointed  to  prepare  a  certificate  for  me. 

Third-day,  fifteenth,  was  at  a  monthly  meeting  at 
Southwark,  and  next  day  attended  the  meeting  at 
Grace  Church  street,  in  which  I  was  raised  up  and  en- 
larged in  gospel  authority,  and  matter  flowed  freely  like 
precious  oil,  to  the  humbling  and  contriting  of  many 
souls  before  the  Lord ;  it  was  a  blessed  watering  time, 
and  concluded  in  solemn  supplication  by  our  dear  friend 
Sarah  Lynes.  Fifth-day,  I  was  at  Westminster  month- 
ly meeting,  which  was  a  time  of  favour.  First-day  at- 
tended both  the  meetings  at  Westminster  again,  in 
which  I  had  considerable  communication,  but  did  not 
feel  so  comfortable  after  these  meetings  as  I  had  done 
in  some  of  the  aforementioned  ones,  but  perhaps  it  is 
better  for  me.  Lord,  preserve  me  both  in  heights  and 
in  depths,  so  that  nothing  may  be  able  to  separate  me 
from  thy  love,  nor  shake  my  confidence  in  thee. 

Fourth-day  twenty-third.  Attended  an  adjournment 
of  the  monthly  meeting  at  Grace  Church  street;  fifth- 
day  went  to  Radcliff,  and  on  sixth-day  was  at  a  school 
meeting  at  Islington,  in  all  of  which  I  was  silent  ex- 
cept the  last,  which  was  a  pretty  open  time,  and  I  be- 
lieve was  to  general  satisfaction. 

First-day,  twenty-seventh.  Went  to  the  meetings  at 
Peale,  which  were  both  solid,  good  opportunities.  Se- 
cond-day, I  attended  the  quarterly  meeting  of  ministers 
and  elders,  and  on  third  and  fourth  days,  a  large  quar- 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


127 


terly  meeting  for  business,  in  the  first  sitting  of  which, 
while  men  and  women  were  together,  I  was  enlarged 
in  testimony,  with  clearness  and  good  authority,  to 
my  own  humble  admiration  ;  the  opportunity  conclud- 
ed with  solemn  prayer  and  thanksgiving  to  the  blessed 
Father  of  mercies,  who  had  been  pleased  to  cover  us 
this  day  as  with  the  canopy  of  his  love,  under  a  renew- 
ed sense  whereof  many  souls  v\'ith  my  own,  were  given 
to  rejoice  in  his  salvation,  and  I  humbly  trust  that  this 
day  will  long  be  gratefully  remembered  by  many  of  us. 

Fifth-day,  first  of  seventh  month.  1  attended  West- 
minster meeting,  where  was  a  marriage,  which  drew  a 
number  of  people  not  professing  with  us,  among  whom 
were  several  French  noblemen,  one  of  them  a  member 
of  the  National  Assembly  at  Paris ;  this  I  think  was  one 
of  the  most  solid  opportunities  that  I  ever  experienced 
on  such  an  occasion  :  this  great  man  from  France  was 
introduced  to  me  after  meeting,  and  seemed  sensibly  af- 
fected with  the  favours  of  the  day,  the  service  of  which 
fell  chiefly  on  Mary  Dudley  and  myself. 

First-day,  fourth.  I  attended  a  large  meeting  at  De- 
vonshire house  in  the  forenoon,  where  was  a  burial ;  I 
had  considerable  communication,  which  I  hope  was  of 
some  use,  but  the  solemnity  of  the  meeting  was  much 
interrupted  by  an  unseasonable  and  unsanctified  appear- 
ance, yet  it  ended  better  than  1  expected  :  in  the  after- 
noon I  attended  Grace  Church  street  meeting,  which 
was  silent.  Third-day  sixth,  attended  a  monthly  meet- 
ing at  Devonshire  house,  which,  through  the  renewed 
extending  of  holy  help,  was  a  memorable  time.  Fifth- 
day,  was  at  a  week-day  meeting  at  Radcliff,  which  was 
also  a  time  of  favour. 

First-day,  in  the  morning,  attended  Westminster  meet- 
ing ;  in  the  evening  a  large  public  meeting  appointed  hy 


128 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802. 


Mary  Dudley  at  Devonshire  house,  and  on  second-day 
was  at  the  morning  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders, 
where  I  obtained  a  certificate  addressed  to  my  friends 
at  home,  purporting  unity  with  me  in  my  travels  in  Eu- 
rope. I  spent  the  remaining  part  of  this  week  among 
friends  in  social  visits,  except  attending  a  monthly  meet- 
ing at  Westminster;  and  on  first-day  morning  I  attended 
the  meeting  at  Grace  Church  street,  where  I  had  a  so- 
lemn farewell  opportunity.  In  the  afternoon  I  attended 
Westminster  meeting,  where  I  suppose  the  expectations 
of  many  were  raised,  seeing  this  was  to  be  my  last  op- 
portunity with  them,  and  it  being  the  meeting  within 
the  limits  of  which.  I  had  resided  during  my  stay  in 
London,  but  they  were  disappointed,  for  I  was  silent, 
except  near  the  conclusion  I  told  them,  that  in  looking 
over  the  many  exercises  and  baptizing  seasons  which 
1  had  passed  through  among  them,  I  felt  quite  clear  and 
relieved  and  with  very  little  addition  took  my  solemn 
leave  of  them,  and  bid  them  a  long  farewell ;  this  seem- 
ed to  occasion  considerable  solemnity,  and  opened  a 
door  for  dear  Mary  Dudley,  who  had  a  favoured  op- 
portunity. 

I  returned  to  Hampstead  that  evening,  and  next  day 
attended  a  school  meeting  at  Islington,  to  satisfaction. 
Third  and  fourth  days  rather  unwell,  and  staid  mostly 
at  my  lodgings.  On  fifth-day,  having  the  company  of 
two  young  friends  of  London,  I  took  leave  of  friends  at 
Hampstead,  and  got  to  Colebrookdale  on  seventh-day  ; 
staid  over  first-day,  and  attended  their  two  meetings, 
which  were  highly  favoured  opportunities,  wherein 
truth  was  eminently  exalted  over  all,  and  many  souls 
with  mine,  were  comforted  and  refreshed  and  praised 
the  Lord.  We  were  also  favoured  with  a  precious  op- 
portunity in  the  evening,  at  the  house  of  Richard  Rey- 


1802.] 


EICHAED  JORDAN. 


129 


nolds,  with  his  family,  and  a  number  of  young  friends 
who  came  in,  and  the  evening  closed  peacefully. 

On  third-day  reached  Warrington  in  time  to  attend 
their  meeting  the  same  morning,  which  was  a  blessed 
watering  opportunity,  especially  with  some  of  the  youn- 
ger class ;  we  also  had  a  good  opportunity  with  some 
young  people  who  came  to  see  us  at  the  house  where 
we  dined,  and  the  same  evening  we  got  peacefully  into 
Liverpool,  where  we  were  again  kindly  received  at  the 
house  of  our  dear  friend  Robert  Benson.  Fifth-day  I 
attended  their  week  day  meeting,  and  after  a  time  of 
close  exercise.  Truth  broke  forth  to  our  comfort  and  re- 
joicing ;  blessed  be  the  Lord.  Here  I  also  received 
agreeable  accounts  from  my  dear  wife,  which  was 
cause  of  thankfulness  and  gratitude. 

First-day,  tirst  of  eighth  month.  I  attended  two  meet- 
ings here  which  were  baptising  seasons,  and  the  day 
closed  peacefully.  I  have  been  very  much  tried  in  my 
mind  for  two  or  three  days  past,  having  been  on  board 
of  several  fine  ships  in  order  to  see  for  a  passage  to 
America,  but  all  has  seemed  to  close  up  respecting  it  at 
present,  so  that  I  could  not  see  my  way  to  engage  a 
passage  in  any  of  them.  Lord,  look  down  upon  me  in 
mercy,  and  preserve  me  in  patience,  until  thou  art 
pleased  to  open  the  way  for  me  according  to  thy  own 
blessed  counsel.  Fourth-day,  Josiah  Messer,  his  wife 
and  two  daughters,  from  London,  called  here  and  spent 
two  or  three  days  very  agreeably  with  me,  they  being 
on  a  journey  to  the  north,  to  visit  their  relations.  Fifth- 
day,  attended  the  week  day  meeting,  where  I  could  see 
no  way  for  me,  but  to  abide  in  my  tent,  in  inward  ex- 
ercise. I  staid  in  and  about  Liverpool  until  tirst-day, 
and  a(tended  their  two  meetings  again,  when,  blessed 
be  the  Lord,  I  was  enabled  in  a  good  degree  to  cast  off 


130 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802. 


my  burden  with  which  I  have  been  so  much  borne 
down  and  pressed  in  spirit  for  several  days,  in  this 
place,  and  my  mind  now  felt  more  calm  and  quiet. 

Third-day,  tenth.  The  half  year's  meeting  in  Wales, 
which  is  to  be  held  this  month,  having  engaged  my  at- 
tention for  several  days,  after  some  very  close  thinking 
on  the  subject,  I  have  believed  it  safer  for  me  to  resign 
myself  to  the  prospect  of  attending  it ;  and  accordingly 
I  set  out  this  afternoon  ;  crossed  the  river  Mersey  from 
Liverpool,  and  took  our  journey  by  the  way  of  Chester, 
where  we  arrived  the  same  evening.  Their  meeting 
being  next  day  we  attended  it,  and  it  was  a  time  of  fa- 
vour, tending  to  the  encouragement  of  the  little  few 
who  reside  here,  as  well  as  to  the  comfort  of  our  own 
minds. 

We  lodged  another  night  in  Chester,  and  on  fifth-day 
got  to  Shrewsbury,  being  upwards  of  forty  miles.  Sixth- 
day,  had  an  appointed  meeting  with  friends  of  this 
place,  which  was  a  blessed  watering  time,  and  that 
evening  had  a  very  agreeable  ride  to  Colebrookdale. 
First-day,  fifteenth,  we  attended  a  meeting  at  a  place 
called  the  New  Dale  in  the  morning,  four  miles  dis- 
tant ;  returned  to  their  meeting  here  in  the  afternoon, 
which  was  large,  owing  to  the  coming  in  of  many  not 
professing  with  us.  1  expected  during  a  great  part  of 
this  meeting  that  I  should  have  sat  it  through  in  silence, 
as  T  had  done  that  in  the  morning,  but  at  length,  when 
I  began  to  be  apprehensive  that  it  was  nearly  time  for 
the  meeting  to  conclude,  I  stood  up  with  a  few  words, 
and,  as  1  expressed  them,  life  seemed  to  increase,  until, 
blessed  be  the  Lord,  it  was  exalted  to  our  humble  ad- 
miration, and  many  of  us  were  renewedly  enabled  to 
bow,  and  worship,  and  praise  Him,  who  lives  forever 
and  ever,  and  we  went  on  our  way  rejoicing ;  thus  the 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


131 


day  again  closed  peacefully.  Third-day,  attended  a 
week  day  meeting  at  the  old  Dale,  and  in  the  evening 
a  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  at  the  same  place, 
and  next  day  a  monthly  meeting  at  the  New  Dale,  all 
of  which  were,  I  humbly  trust,  profitable  and  instruc- 
tive opportunities  to  me  and  many  more. 

Fifth-day,  nineteenth,  we  left  Colebrookdale  and 
reached  Leominster,  where  we  put  up  with  William 
Young,  a  very  ancient  and  valuable  friend,  who  received 
us  very  kindly,  we  staid  in  and  about  this  town  until  first- 
day,  and  attended  their  meetings  to  good  satisfaction. 
Second-day,  we  rode  to  the  Hay  in  South  Wales,  where 
the  half  yearly  meeting  is  to  be  held,  here  we  met  with 
dear  Deborah  Darby  again,  who  had  not  been  home 
since  the  yearly  meeting  in  London. 

Third-day,  the  twenty-fourth  ;  at  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  the  select  meeting  was  held  ;  at  eleven,  a  pub- 
lic meeting,  and  at  four  in  the  afternoon,  the  meeting 
for  discipline  opened,  which  continued  by  adjournments 
until  next  afternoon,  and  in  the  evening  a  large  pubhc 
meeting  was  held.  Simdry  friends  from  London,  and 
many  from  other  parts  of  England  attended  this  half 
year's  meeting,  and  on  the  whole,  the  several  opportu- 
nities in  the  course  thefeof,  were  times  of  favour,  and 
we  left  the  place  with  thankful  hearts. 

Fifth-day,  twenty-sixth,  Deborah  Darby  having  ap- 
pointed a  public  meeting  to  be  held  this  morning  about 
fourteen  miles  from  this  place  on  our  way  to  Leomin- 
ster, and  another  in  the  evening  at  Leominster,  I  at- 
tended them  both,  and  they  proved  to  be  seasons  of 
favour,  the  day  closed  peacefully.  Sixth-day,  Deborah 
Darby  and  we  parted,  she  went  towards  Worcester, 
and  we  back  towards  Shrewsbury.  We  lodged  at  an 
mn  at  Church  Stratton,  and  next  morning  got  to  Shrews- 


132 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1802. 


bury,  having  the  company  of  several  friends;  we  staid 
over  first-day  and  attended  their  meeting  in  the  fore- 
noon, and  in  the  afternoon  had  a  pretty  large  public 
meeting,  both  of  which  were  solid,  good  opportunities, 
and  tended  much  to  the  relief  of  my  mind.  Second-day 
morning  we  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  these  friends, 
and  set  out  for  Chester  where  we  arrived  in  the  even- 
ing; next  day  had  a  public  meeting  there,  which  was  a 
solid  good  time ;  and  in  the  evening  had  a  precious  op- 
portunity at  our  lodgings  with  some  newly  convinced 
persons.  Next  day  being  the  first  of  ninth  month,  we 
got  well  to  Liverpool,  where  I  met  with  my  dear  friend 
William  Jackson  from  America,  who  had  just  before 
arrived,  with  Mary  JefTeris,  after  a  passage  of  thirty- 
eight  days  from  New  York  ;  our  meeting  was  truly  re- 
joicing. 

Fifth-day,  the  second,  we  all  attended  the  week-day 
meeting  here,  which  was  to  us  a  day  of  high  favour, 
blessed  be  the  Lord  our  God  who  comforteth  those  that 
are  cast  down,  he  was  pleased  to  comfort  our  souls  in 
this  meeting.  Sixth  and  seventh  days,  William  Jackson 
and  ]  spent  most  of  these  two  days  together,  and  attend- 
ed the  two  meetings  of  friends  next  day,  which  were 
large,  especially  that  in  the  aftefnoon,  many  not  profess- 
ing with  us  coming  in,  both  these  meetings  tended  much 
to  the  relief  of  my  mind.  In  the  last  1  had  something 
like  a  solemn  farewell  to  many  whose  faces  1  was  to  see 
no  more,  and  next  day  I  felt  freedom  to  engage  my  pas- 
sage in  a  ship  called  the  India,  Captain  Hathaway,  bound 
for  Philadelphia  ;  this  day  dear  William  Jackson  and  I 
parted,  he  going  on  his  journey  towards  Cheshire,  I 
staid  in  town  and  went  about  preparing  for  my  voy- 
age. 

Fourth-day,  accompanied  by  Isaac  Had  win  and  wife 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


133 


took  passage  in  a  canal  boat  to  Writtington,  about! vventy- 
one  miles  from  Liverpool,  to  see  dear  Robert  Benson 
and  his  family,  and  arrived  there  that  evening;  next  day 
attended  their  week  day  meeting  which  was  a  blessed 
relieving  opportunity;  spent  the  remainder  of  the  day 
with  this  valuable  family,  and  in  the  evening  before  we 
retired  to  bed,  divine  good  being  renewed,  we  were  fa- 
voured with  another  blessed  opportunity  to  the  comfort 
and  consolation  of  our  souls,  and  the  great  name  was 
magnified  and  praised,  who  alone  is  worthy  forever. 

Next  morning  early  we  took  our  solemn  leave  of 
these  dear  friends,  and  returned  to  Liverpool,  and  first- 
day,  twelfth,  T  attended  both  the  meetings  here  :  in  the 
afternoon  1  was  raised  up,  and  enabled  to  bear  a  testi- 
mony on  the  subject  of  the  first  and  second  command- 
ments, in  an  affecting  manner,  and  the  meeting  conclud- 
ed with  solemn  prayer.  I  left  it  under  a  fresh  sense  of 
divine  favour,  and  went  to  my  lodgings,  and  this  even- 
ing a  number  of  friends  coming  in,  we  had  another 
heart-tendering  opportunity. 

Second-day,  thirteenth,  I  went  to  the  custom-house 
and  gave  in  my  name,  nativity,  occupation,  what  coun- 
try 1  was  last  from,  where  bound,  the  ship's  name  in 
which  I  was  to  sail,  and  the  persons  to  whom  I  was 
known  here.  I  then  obtained  a  permit  to  leave  the 
country  and  go  home. — Well,  if  my  blessed  and  hea- 
venly Master  doth  but  go  along  with  me,  and  carry 
me  safely  and  peacefully  there,  I  believe  all  the  diffi- 
culties, dangers  and  hardships  which  have  attended  me 
in  this  journey,  will  weigh  lighter  than  vanity  in  com- 
parison with  his  superintending  care,  love  and  mercy  to 
my  soul ;  eternally  blessed  be  his  name. 

Third-day,  attended  the  burial  of  a  friend,  on  which 
occasion  a  large  meeting  was  held  at>'ihe  meeting- 
M 


134 


JOUHNAI,  OF 


[1802. 


house,  which  was  a  solid  time,  and  1  believe  one  of  re- 
newed visitation  and  warning  to  many.  Fifth-day  be- 
ing meeting  day  in  course,  and  1  not  having  had  any 
warning  to  go  on  ship  board,  I  ventured  to  attend  the 
meeting,  which  proved  to  be  a  blessed  opportunity, 
the  day  closed  peacefully  and  I  seem  only  waiting  the 
ship's  time.  Seventh-day,  eighteenth,  the  eight  passen- 
gers who  are  to  go  in  the  cabin,  and  sundry  others  in 
the  steerage  were  ordered  on  board,  and  now  I  took 
my  last  leave  of  the  dear  friends  where  I  lodged,  and  a 
number  of  others  who  came  to  see  me  on  the  occasion, 
and  got  on  board  between  ten  and  eleven  in  the  morn- 
ing :  the  ship  was  very  soon  under  way  and  having  a 
fine  breeze,  we  presently  got  out  of  the  mouth  of  the 
river  Mersey,  the  breeze  gradually  increasing,  and 
our  ship  being  a  fine  fast  sailer,  we  soon  left  all  behind 
that  came  out  with  us,  though  there  were  many  fine 
ships,  some  of  which  came  out  before  us,  but  the  wind 
dying  away  in  the  evening  we  were  almost  becalmed, 
and  continued  so  most  of  the  night ;  all  the  passengers 
continue  pretty  free  from  sea-sickness.  Next  day  in  the 
afternoon  a  fine  breeze  sprang  up,  and  our  sailing  in- 
creased to  seven  knots  and  a  half  per  hour,  and  we  seem 
now  to  be  fast  bidding  adieu  to  Europe.  1  leave  it  with 
a  peaceful  mind,  and  many  of  its  inhabitants  will  be 
long  remembered  in  gospel  afTection  by  me,  if  I  am 
continued  in  this  state  of  being.  I  feel  that  I  have  much 
to  be  thankful  for  to  the  great  Author  of  my  being,  who 
by  his  all  supporting  arm  of  omnipotence,  hath  carried 
me  through  many  heights  and  depths,  and  covered  my 
head  in  the  day  of  battle,  and  hath  often  enabled  me  to 
set  up  my  Ebenezer,  and  say,  "  hitherto  the  Lord  hath 
helped  me."  He  hath  been  with  me  in  perils  by  land,  pe- 
rils by  sea,  and  perils  among  false  brethren,and  hath  deli- 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


135 


vered  me  from  the  power  of  them  all ;  yea,  when  the 
proud  waves  roared  tremendously  and  essayed  to  swal- 
low me  up,  then  was  his  voice  experienced  to  be 
mightier  than  the  noise  of  many  waters,  yea,  than  the 
mighty  waves  of  the  sea.  I  was  favoured  with  a  good 
passage,  good  accommodations,  a  kind  captain  and  all 
the  crew  civil  and  respectful  towards  me. 

We  landed  in  Philadelphia  on  fifth-day,  the  twenty- 
eighth  of  tenth  month,  being  just  forty  days  from  Liver- 
pool :  I  accepted  the  invitation  of  our  kind  captain,  and 
dined  with  him  this  afternoon;  he  resides  here  when  at 
home.  The  yellow  fever  prevailing  in  the  city  at  this 
time,  and  many  friends  as  well  as  others  having  desert- 
ed it,  I  went  to  Abington  this  evening  and  returned  to 
the  city  next  day,  and  attended  the  select  quarterly 
meeting  which  was  small  by  reason  of  the  prevaiJing 
fever,  but  it  was  a  solid  opportunity.  I  returned  to 
Abington  in  the  evening,  and  on  first-day  attended  meet- 
ting  there,  which  was  also  a  good  time. 

Second-day,  first  of  eleventh  month.  Having  taken 
cold,  and  it  increasing,  I  became  considerably  unwell, 
and  staid  mostly  about  house  until  fourth-day,  when  I 
attended  the  select  quarterly  meeting  at  Abina;ton,  and 
next  day  a  large  quarterly  meeting  for  discipline  ;  these 
were  both  solid  instructive  opportunities.  Seventh-day, 
sixth,  went  to  the  city  and  finding  that  the  fever  had 
subsided,  I  resumed  my  old  quarters. 

First-day,  the  seventh,  I  attended  the  North  meeting 
in  the  morning,  and  in  the  afternoon  that  at  Market 
street,  both  of  which  were  on  the  whole  highly  favour- 
ed seasons :  second-day  attended  the  morning  meeting 
of  ministers  and  elders ;  third-day,  meeting  at  the  JSorlh 
meeting-house,  fourth-day,  meeting  at  Pine  street,  and 
fifth-day  the  meeting  at  Market  street  again,  in  most  of 


136 


JOXIRNAl  OF 


[1802. 


which  I  got  considerable  relief,  indeed  I  hoped  the  late 
calamity  would  prove  a  blessing  to  many  survivors ; 
may  it  not  be  too  lightly  looked  over  by  any,  but  be  a 
means  of  arousing  all  from  a  false  rest,  or  too  anxious  a 
pursuit  after  perishable  enjoyments,  as  these  awful  vi- 
sitations plainly  tell  us  that  we  have  no  continuing  city 
here,  and  this  is  not  the  place  of  our  rest.  Sixth-day, 
twelfth,  1  sat  out  for  New  York,  being  desirous  to  visit 
friends  there  before  I  returned  homeward,  got  to  Bur- 
lington, staid  over  first-day,  and  attended  meeting  there 
to  satisfaction.  On  fourth-day,  seventeenth,  got  to  New 
York,  where  1  met  with  a  hearty  welcome  from  many 
of  my  dear  friends,  who  seemed  to  rejoice  with  me  on 
my  safe  arrival  in  my  native  country. 

First-day,  attended  the  fore  and  afternoon  meetings 
of  friends,  and  in  the  evening  a  large  public  meeting 
appointed  by  Martha  Routh,  in  the  last  two  I  was  pretty 
largely  opened  in  testimony  much  to  the  relief  of  my 
own  mind,  and  1  believe  to  the  general  satisfaction  of 
friends  ;  indeed  I  think  I  never  felt  more  openness  in 
this  city  than  at  this  time,  both  among  friends  and  others. 
We  staid  this  week  and  attended  their  preparative  and 
first-day  meetings  again  to  good  satisfaction ;  and  on 
fourth-day,  first  of  twelfth  month,  was  at  the  monthly 
meeting  here,  also  to  our  solid  satisfaction  :  next  day 
in  the  evening  a  large  public  meeting  appointed  by  a 
friend  from  Purchase  in  this  state,  in  which  1  was  open- 
ed and  enlarged  on  several  subjects  with  clearness  and 
gospel  authority  to  the  humble  rejoicing  of  my  own 
soul,  and  I  believe  of  many  more.  At  the  conclusion 
of  this  humbling  season,  1  took  my  leave  of  the  people 
and  bid  them  farewell,  and  a  very  solemn  and  affecting 
farewell  it  appeared  to  be  to  many  dear  souls  then  pre- 
sent. 


1802.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


137 


Sixth-day,  third,  we  left  New  York  and  got  to  Rah- 
way,  and  attended  their  two  meetings  on  first-day,  in 
which  through  the  renewed  extendings  of  holy  help, 
Truth  was  exalted  over  all  after  much  painful  exercise, 
glory  to  the  Lord  forever.  On  third-day,  seventh,  at- 
tended a  monthly  meeting  at  Crosswicks,  and  the  same 
afternoon  got  to  Burlington,  where  we  staid  over  their 
week-day  meeting,  and  visited  several  of  our  friends 
both  in  town  and  country.  Seventh-day,  we  got  to 
Philadelphia  and  found  the  city  in  good  health,  and  our 
friends  there  glad  to  see  and  receive  us  again. 

First-day,  twelfth,  in  the  morning  I  attended  the 
North  meeting,  in  the  afternoon  that  at  Pine  street,  and 
in  the  evening  a  large  meeting  at  Market  street,  in  all 
of  which  1  was  silent,  except  a  few  words  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  evening  meeting.  Second-day,  I  attended 
the  select  morning  meeting  at  Fourth  street  house, 
which  was  a  good  time.  Next  day,  I  attended  the  North 
meeting,  which  was  very  large,  and  a  bowed  humbling 
season  it  was,  to  me  and  many  more,  blessed  be  the 
Lord.  Fourth,  fifth  and  sixth  days,  attended  the  meet- 
ings at  Pine  street,  Market  street,  and  also  the  meeting 
for  sufferings,  in  all  which  I  was  silent.  First-day, 
nineteenth,  attended  North  meeting  in  the  morning, 
Pine  street  in  the  afternoon,  and  a  large  meeting  at 
Market  street  in  the  evening,  m  all  of  which  I  was  si- 
lent, except  a  few  words  in  the  meeting  at  Pine  street 
near  the  close,  and  I  have  been  thankful  in  believing 
that  1  was  preserved  in  these  large  meetings  in  the  way 
of  my  duty,  and  helped  to  keep  the  word  of  the  Lord's 
patience,  though  I  know  not  the  cause  why  I  have  been 
so  much  shut  up  since  last  in  this  city,  but  an  earnest 
solicitude  hath  attended  my  mind,  that  the  true,  inward, 
spiritual  worship  may  be  more  and  more  sought  after 
M  2 


138 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1803. 


by  me,  and  all  the  professors  thereof.  First-day  even- 
ing, twenty-sixth,  I  have  been  at  seven  meetings  since 
the  above  account,  in  all  of  which  I  was  silent. 

Seventh-day,  first  of  first  month,  1803,  I  have  attend- 
ed five  more  meetings  since  last  entry,  all  silent,  except 
one,  and  yet  1  cannot  see  my  way  out  of  the  city :  Lord 
preserve  me,  and  enable  me  to  hold  fast  my  confidence 
in  thee,  strengthen  me  I  pray  thee  to  abide  every  dis- 
pensation which  thou  maycst  see  meet  to  order,  or 
permit  me  to  be  proved  with,  though  it  be  even  to  fol- 
low thee  through  much  tribulation  and  sorrow,  or  into 
prison  or  even  unto  death,  enable  me  O  Lord  to  say  in 
deed  and  in  truth,  thy  will  be  done  and  not  mine. 

First-day,  second.  I  attended  three  meetings  this  day, 
in  two  of  which  I  had  some  public  service,  especially 
in  the  large  evening  meeting  at  Market  street,  which 
was  truly  an  humbling  time.  I  attended  five  other 
meetings  this  week,  mostly  silent,  except  in  a  meeting 
for  the  school  children,  where  there  was  supposed  to  be 
upwards  of  a  thousand  collected  ;  to  these  dear  children 
I  had  considerable  communication.  First-day,  ninth, 
1  attended  three  large  meetings  again,  also  meetings 
on  second,  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  days,  mostly  silent, 
but  cannot  yet  see  my  way  any  where  out  of  the 
city.  Lord,  look  down  upon  me  in  mercy,  and  keep 
me  near  and  watchfully  attentive  to  the  dispensations  of 
thy  divine  Providence. 

First-day,  sixteenth.  I  attended  Fine  street  meeting 
in  the  morning,  which  was  very  large,  and  I  was  con- 
siderably opened  in  testimony,  and  found  some  relief. 
I  was  at  the  Market  street  meeting  in  the  afternoon, 
and  again  in  the  evening,  which  last  I  thought  was  one 
of  the  most  solid  meetings  of  the  kind  I  ever  attended ; 
so  much  60,  that  for  the  present  it  seemed  as  though 


1803.] 


KICHABD  JORDAN. 


139 


there  was  not  a  soul  but  what  was  sensible  of  the  fa- 
vours of  this  evening,  in  which  prayers  and  praises  as- 
cended up  to  Him  who  lives  forever  and  ever,  and  who 
is  alone  worthy  thereof,  through  time  and  eternity. 

Second-day,  a  favoured  time  at  the  morning  meeting 
of  ministers  and  elders  :  third-day,  attended  the  North 
week  day  meeting,  which  was  large ;  two  Indian  chiefs 
were  at  it,  and  sat  remarkably  still  and  solid,  while  1 
was  engaged  in  opening  several  instructive  passages  re- 
specting the  many  revolutions  which  the  seed  of  Abra- 
ham passed  through,  before  they  entered  into  the  land 
which  God  promised  unto  them  as  an  inheritance. 
This  afternoon  was  their  select  preparative  meeting, 
which  I  attended,  and  this  opportunity,  I  humbly  trust, 
will  not  soon  be  forgotten  by  some  of  us  then  present, 
but  be  held  in  grateful  remembrance  before  Him  who 
was  pleased  to  loose,  as  it  were,  a  seal,  and  let  us  into 
some  of  the  mysteries  of  his  kingdom,  so  that  my  cup 
run  over,  and  I  wept  tears  of  humble  gratitude,  under  a 
sense  of  our  unworthiness  of  these  his  unmerited  mer- 
cies ;  may  we  profit  thereby. 

Fourth-day  the  nineteenth.  Attended  Pine  street 
meeting,  in  which  I  was  pretty  largely  engaged  in  tes- 
timony on  some  deeply  interesting  subjects,  with  clear- 
ness and  good  authority  ;  in  the  afternoon  I  attended 
their  select  preparative  meeting,  which  was  also  a  time 
of  favour.  Fifth-day,  twentieth,  attended  Market  street 
week  day  meeting,  which  was  large ;  I  was  opened  in 
testimony  in  gospel  authority,  and  this  was  also  a  bow- 
ed, humbling  opportunity  ;  several  friends  from  the  oth- 
er meetings  were  also  present.  Sixth-day,  attended  the 
Meeting  for  Sufferings,  which  was  a  time  of  favour. 

First-day,  in  the  morning  I  attended  Pine  street  meet- 
ing:, which  was  a  highly  favoured  season,  much  to  the 


140 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1803. 


relief  of  my  poor  exercised  mind  ;  in  the  afternoon  at- 
tended the  North  meeting,  which  was  a  good  time,  and 
in  the  evening  the  large  meeting  at  Market  street  which 
I  sat  through  in  silence,  and  was  well  satisfied  that  I 
did  so.  Second-day,  twenty-fourth,  attended  the  morn- 
ing meeting  of  ministers  and  elders,  which  was  a  time 
of  favour.  Third-day,  was  at  the  monthly  meeting  for 
the  Northern  district,  which  I  sat  in  silence,  and  being 
very  unwell  I  did  not  stay  until  they  got  through  the  bu- 
siness, but  went  to  my  lodgings,  where  I  contiHued 
poorly  for  several  days,  and  very  low  in  my  mind. 
Lord,  when  shall  I  escape  from  this  city  ? — O  look  down 
upon  me  in  mercy,  and  be  pleased,  if  it  be  thy  blessed 
will,  to  show  me  what  thou  wouldest  have  me  to  do, 
and  also  give  me  strength  to  perform  what  thou  art 
pleased  to  require  ;  O  Lord,  preserve  me  in  thy  holy 
counsel,  keep  me  in  the  hour  of  trial  and  temptation, 
grant  me  patience  to  endure  all  things  for  thy  name's 
sake :  thou  knowest  me  altogether,  and  the  way  that  I 
take,  and  that  1  cannot  see  aright  unless  thou  art  pleas- 
ed to  open  mine  eyes,  neither  can  I  walk  in  the  right 
way,  except  thou  art  pleased  to  lead  me  by  thy  light, 
and  to  guide  me  by  the  right  hand  of  thy  power,  O  my 
God  ! 

I  did  not  go  out  to  any  meeting  after  the  above-men- 
tioned, until  first-day,  thirtieth,  in  the  morning,  when  I 
sat  the  North  meeting  through  in  silence.  Second-day, 
sat  the  morning  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  in  si- 
lence, but  my  mind  was  covered  with  a  peaceful  calm  ; 
blessed  be  the  Lord.  Second-day,  seventh,  I  attended 
the  quarterly  meeting,  which  was  held  at  the  North  meet- 
ing house,  and  was  a  very  large  and  highly  favoured 
meeting.  I  was  opened  and  enlarged  in  the  authority  of 
Truth,  and  again  enabled  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel 


1803.] 


EICHARD  JORDAN. 


141 


from  these  words, "  What  am  I,  O  Lord,  that  thou  hast 
spoken  unto  th^'  servant  concerning  my  house  for  a  great 
while  to  come  and  blessed  be  his  ever  adorable  name, 
through  whose  condescending  goodness  in  the  opening 
and  shedding  abroad  of  divine  light  and  life,  this  was  a 
day  which  I  humbly  trust  will  long  be  had  in  grateful 
remembrance  by  many  of  us  then  present,  as  a  fresh 
memorial  of  the  Lord's  love  and  mercy  to  our  souls  ; 
blessed  be  his  holy  name  forever.  Third-day  attended 
a  large  meeting  for  the  blacks  at  Market  street,  where- 
in I  was  engaged  in  prayer  and  supplication  on  behalf 
of  this  oppressed  race  of  mankind,  in  as  awful  a  manner 
as  I  almost  ever  experienced,  and  the  meeting  closed 
with  great  solemnity. 

Fourth-day.  Attended  a  large  quarterly  meeting  at 
Abington,  in  which  humble  thankfulness  and  gratitude 
arose  to  our  gracious  Master,  who  caused  his  own  bless- 
ed Truth  this  day  to  be  exalted  over  all  opposition  in 
the  minds  of  the  people,  and  the  meeting  concluded  un- 
der a  humbling  sense  thereof:  we  went  on  our  way  re- 
joicing, and  returned  to  the  city. 

Sixth-day,  eleventh.  1  had  a  religious  meeting  with 
the  convicts  in  the  state  prison  to  good  satisfaction,  and 
now,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  I  seem  relieved  and  quite 
easy  to  take  my  leave  of  the  city,  and  look  towards 
home.  Seventh-day,  twelfth,  after  a  solid  opportunity 
with  the  dear  friends  where  I  have  lodged  so  long,  I 
took  my  solemn  leave  of  the  city,  and  being  accompa- 
nied by  my  kind  young  friend  John  Morton,  junior,  got 
to  Darby  that  afternoon ;  next  day  attended  the  meet- 
ing there,  which  proved  a  good  time  to  me,  and  I  be- 
lieve to  many  more.  Second-day  we  went  to  Concord, 
and  on  third-day  attended  their  quarterly  meeting,  which 
was  an  exercising  time  to  me,  yet  Truth  seemed  to  get 


142 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1803. 


the  victory,  and  I  felt  pretty  quiet  and  comfortable  af- 
ter meeting. 

Fourth-day  attended  their  week  day  meeting  at  the 
same  place,  which  was  small,  but  a  blessed  heavenly 
season  it  proved  to  be,  much  to  the  comfort  and  refresh- 
ment of  our  minds.  The  same  afternoon  went  to  Bran- 
dywine,  and  next  day  attended  the  week  day  meeting 
at  Wilmington,  which  was  a  time  of  close  exercise  with 
me,  both  private  and  pubhc,  but  I  was  favoured  to 
leave  the  meeting  with  a  peaceful  mind,  and  was  there- 
fore content.  Went  to  London  Grove,  and  seventh- 
day,  nineteenth,  attended  a  select  quarterly  meeting 
there ;  first-day  was  at  their  meeting  for  worship,  and 
on  second-day,  a  large  quarterly  meeting  for  discipline 
at  the  same  place,  in  all  of  which  I  was  silent,  except 
the  meeting  on  first-day,  and  then  I  got  but  little  relief. 
Third-day  attended  a  large  youth's  meeting,  in  which  I 
was  silent  throughout,  T  believe  to  the  great  disappoint- 
ment of  many,  but  I  could  see  no  way  for  me  to  step 
forward  to  espouse  the  holy  cause,  and  therefore  I  en- 
deavoured patiently  to  abide  in  my  tent.  This  evening 
went  and  tarried  with  Jacob  Lindley,  and  next  morn- 
ing several  young  people  being  present,  we  had  a  pre- 
cious heart-tendering  opportunity,  and  next  day  set  out 
for  Baltimore,  but  the  roads  being  excessively  heavy, 
we  did  not  reach  there  until  sixth-day,  the  twenty-fifth, 
when  we  were  favoured  to  arrive  without  any  material 
accident. 

First-day,  twenty-seventh,  were  at  the  two  meetings 
of  friends  here,  which  were  large,  being  attended  by  a 
number  not  professing  with  us,  but  I  could  see  no  way 
for  me  publicly  to  espouse  the  holy  cause  in  either  of 
these  meetings,  and  therefore  I  sat  them  through  in  si- 
lence. On  fifth-day,  third  of  third  month,  attended  their 


1803.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


143 


week  day  and  preparative  meeting,  which  was  also 
large,  and  I  was  raised  up  in  gospel  authority  to  declare 
the  everlasting  Truth,  and  the  meeting  concluded  in  so- 
lemn prayer,  after  which  I  felt  my  poor  exercised  mind 
relieved  from  a  great  weight  of  oppression,  which  has 
been  my  almost  constant  companion  for  some  time,  and 
very  much  shut  up  both  in  and  out  of  meetings. 

First-day,  sixth.  Attended  both  the  meetings  here 
again,  which  were  large,  and  I  had  pretty  extensive 
pubhc  labour  and  exercise  in  both  of  them :  I  think  it 
may  be  said,  they  were  humbling,  baptising  seasons, 
and  the  day  closed  peacefully  ;  blessed  be  the  Lord,  to 
whom  be  all  the  praise,  for  he  alone  is  worthy,  both 
now  and  evermore.  Third-day,  eighth,  went  out  to 
EUicott's  mills,  and  attended  a  meeting  there  next  day, 
with  a  number  of  friends  and  others,  which  was  also  a 
blessed  time ;  after  this  we  returned  peacefully  to  Bal- 
timore. Fifth-day  attended  their  monthly  meeting,  in 
which  I  had  considerable  public  service,  and  it  was  on 
the  whole  a  pretty  solid  time. 

First-day,  thirteenth.  Attended  both  the  meetings 
again ;  in  the  first  1  was  pretty  largely  opened  in  testi- 
mony, but  quite  shut  up  in  the  afternoon,  and  not  yet 
seeing  my  way  clear  to  leave  the  city,  we  staid  their 
week  day  meeting  again,  when,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  I 
was  enabled  to  clear  my  deeply  exercised  and  oppress- 
ed mind,  and  felt  quite  at  liberty  to  leave  the  city  the 
same  day,  which  we  did,  and  got  to  Indian  Spring 
that  evening,  about  twenty-three  miles,  and  attended  a 
monthly  meeting  there  next  day,  which  was  a  solid 
time.  First-day,  twentieth,  were  at  a  meeting  of  friends 
at  Alexandria,  which  was  very  dull  and  exercising  for  a 
considerable  time,  but  at  length  Truth  and  life  gradually 
arose,  until  it  became  so  exalted,  that  many  minds  were 


144 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1803. 


bowed  and  humbled  and  enabled  to  return  thanksgiving 
and  praise  to  Him,  who  lives  forever  and  ever. 

Second-day,  twenty -first.  We  left  Alexandria,  and  had 
no  meeting  in  our  way  until  we  got  to  Burleigh,  on  the 
south  side  of  the  James'  River,  where  we  attended  a 
meeting  with  friends  on  first-day,  the  twenty-seventh, 
and  the  same  afternoon  got  to  Black  Water,  and  next 
day  to  Suffolk.  Third-day,  twenty-ninth,  a  friend  from 
our  country  having  appointed  a  meeting  atSummerton, 
we  attended  it,  and  it  was  a  solid,  good  time.  On 
fourth-day,  thirtieth,  I  reached  my  habitation,  and  found 
my  dear  wife  and  family  all  well,  and  glad  to  see  and 
receive  me  again ;  and  I  rejoiced  to  see  them,  and  to 
find  that  they  had  been  preserved  and  abundantly  cared 
for  by  a  kind  Providence,  during  my  absence. 

I  was  from  home  on  this  journey  three  years,  one 
month,  and  ten  days,  in  which  time  1  travelled  by  land 
and  water,  about  fifteen  thousand  miles.  Thus,  O  Lord 
my  God,  in  whom  I  have  endeavoured  to  repose  my 
trust,  thou  hast  carried  me  through  many  heights  and 
depths,  perils  and  dangers;  yea,  perils  by  sea,  perils  by 
land,  and  perils  by  false  brethren  ;  arid  through  all 
these  didst  preserve  me;  when  thy  billows  went  over 
my  head,  and  my  heart  was  ready  to  melt  within  me, 
even  then  didst  thou  make  bare  thine  arm  for  my 
deliverance,  and  sustained  me  by  thy  matchless  good- 
ness, and  made  me  to  see  thy  wonders  in  the  great  deep ; 
then  thou  wast  there,  and  guided  me  by  the  right  hand 
of  thy  power,  that  I  should  not  be  swallowed  up  by  the 
proud  waves,  when  they  roared  about  my  head,  and 
threatened  destruction.  Thus  thy  countless  mercies, 
O  Lord,  have  been  round  about  me  in  all  the  way,  and 
thou  hast  brought  me  safe  back  again  to  my  dear  con- 
nexions at  home  ;  for  all  these  thy  mercies,  O  Lord,  I 


1803.] 


RICHABD  JORDAN. 


145 


desire  to  bless  and  praise  thy  name,  which  is  great  and 
adorable  forever.  And  now  O  Lord,  I  am  not  worthy 
of  all  these  thy  mercies,  yet  since  thou  hast  been  pleas- 
ed of  thy  unmerited  bounty  to  grant  them  hitherto,  and 
hast  given  me  to  speak  well  of  (hy  name  in  the  congre- 
gations of  thy  people,  even  to  some  of  the  nations  afar 
off,  be  pleased  to  remember  and  not  forsake  me  in  my 
future  steppings  along  through  the  remaining  part  of  my 
pilgrimage  here;  preserve  meO  my  God,  and  deliver  me 
from  all  my  enemies,  both  within  and  without,  for  thou 
knowest  them  all,  and  seest  their  snares,  even  before 
they  are  laid  ;  give  me  to  see  and  strength  to  shun  them 
all  both  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left,  even  unto 
the  end,  that  so  I  may  be  enabled  to  bring  honour  and 
praise  unto  thy  great  name  through  all  the  remaining 
part  of  my  days  here,  and  unite  with  those  who,  in  un- 
ceasing anthems,  sing  thy  everlasting  praise  beyond  the 
grave.  Amen. 

My  kind  young  friend  John  Morton,  junior,  who 
came  home  with  me,  only  staid  one  day  before  he  re- 
turned homewards,  being  desirous  if  possible  to  reach 
home  before  their  yearly  meeting.  I  was  loth  to  part 
with  him  so  soon,  for  I  loved  him  dearly,  and  I  hope  his 
kindness  and  attention  to  me  will  meet  its  reward. 
First-day,  third  of  fourth  month,  I  attended  our  own 
meeting  for  the  first  time  since  my  return ;  and  had 
some  communication  in  a  public  way  ;  as  also  once  or 
twice  within  a  few  weeks  afterwards,  but  my  way  in 
this  respect  soon  became  quite  closed  up,  so  that  I  al- 
most became  a  wonder  to  my  friends  and  to  the  people. 
How  hard  it  is  for  wise  people  to  become  fools,  indeed 
it  seems  as  though  they  would  rather  remain  fools  than 
become  wise  through  this  medium. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  fifth  month,  my  dear  wife 
N 


146 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1803. 


and  I  attended  our  quarterly  meeting  in  Pasquotank, 
which  was  a  suffering  time  to  me,  accompanied  with 
some  very  awful  sensations,  but  the  vision  was  sealed, 
and  not  then  to  be  opened  to  the  people,  and  I  was  thank- 
ful for  preservation  in  what  I  believed  to  be  my  lot, 
though  deeply  trying ;  however,  on  the  last  day  of  the 
meeting,  being  first-day,  and  a  mixed  multitude  gather- 
ed, my  mouth  was  opened  among  them,  and  many  were 
broken  and  melted  down  as  before  the  Lord;  may  it  be 
remembered  to  our  lasting  profit  as  the  Lord's  doing, 
which  is  ever  marvellous  in  the  eyes  of  his  children. 
I  felt  considerable  relief  after  this  meeting,  and  returned 
homewards,  calling  to  see  a  few  of  my  old  acquaintan- 
ces and  near  friends,  at  one  of  whose  houses  we  were 
favoured  with  a  heart-tenderingopportunitv,  to  our  mu- 
tual comfort  and  refreshment. 

We  got  home  pretty  directly  after  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing, where  I  have  been  ever  since,  pretty  much  engaged 
in  instructing  some  poor  children,  in  our  neighbour- 
hood, and  attended  our  meetings  constantly  as  they 
came  in  course,  and  almost  as  constantly  silent  therein, 
not  having  opened  my  mouth  in  more  than  three  or 
four  meetings  for  worship,  perhaps  in  near  six  months, 
and  frequently  witnessing  as  great  desertion  as  I  almost 
ever  experienced,  insomuch  that  that  scripture  was  of- 
ten remembered  by  me,  "  for  I  think  that  God  hath  set 
forth  us  the  apostles  last,  as  it  were  appointed  to  death 
for  we  are  made  a  spectacle  to  the  world  and  to  angels 
and  to  men."  About  these  days  my  situation  was  that 
of  secret  mourning  and  lamentation,  not  for  the  dead, 
but  for  them  that  were  gone  into  captivity,  and  for  the 
slain  of  the  daughter  of  my  people. — O,  Lord,  by  whom 
shall  Jacob's  seed  arise  seeing  it  is  so  small  and  op- 
pressed. 


1803.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


147 


In  the  latter  part  of  the  tenth  noonth,  I  attended  our 
yearly  meeting  held  this  year  at  New  Garden  about 
two  hundred  miles  westward  from  my  dwelling.  I  re- 
turned my  certificate  to  the  meeting  of  ministers  and 
elders  which  they  had  given  me  in  1799,  to  travel  in 
Europe ;  and  also  produced  several  from  friends  in  Eu- 
rope, expressive  of  their  satisfaction  with  my  travels 
in  these  countries,  which  were  read  in  the  meeting. 
At  the  same  time  I  gave  some  little  account  of  my  visit, 
particularly  that  to  the  newly  gathered  meetings  on  the 
continent,  which  was  very  affecting  to  the  minds  of 
many.  On  the  whole  it  was  a  memorable  season,  and 
I  think  it  might  be  said  that  the  yearly  meeting  through- 
out was  a  time  of  favour,  which  we  have  abundant 
cause  to  remember  with  heart-felt  thankfulness  and  gra- 
titude to  the  Father  of  mercies.  Several  ministers  from 
abroad  were  at  this  meeting  with  prospects  of  visiting 
the  several  branches  thereof,  which  seemed  renewedly 
to  evince  that  our  vineyard  is  not  yet  wholly  forsaken, 
notwithstanding  the  very  little  fruit  which  it  has  pro- 
duced in  proportion  to  the  care  and  abundant  labours 
of  the  great  Husbandman,  which  demands  our  humilia- 
tion and  endeavours  for  amendment,  lest  many  of  us 
be  miserably  destroyed,  and  the  vineyard  let  to  others. 

Not  having  any  further  prospect  at  this  time  than  to 
attend  the  yearly  meeting,  I  returned  pretty  directly 
home,  and  found  the  city  as  it  were,  still  encompassed 
and  threatened  with  desolation,  and  my  prospect  of  re- 
turning to  the  mire  and  dungeon  was  so  discouraging, 
that  I  was  ready  to  make  my  request  to  the  king,  that 
"I  might  not  return  to  the  house  of  Jonathan  lest  I 
should  die  there and  as  yet  I  have  no  assurance  that 
I  shall  not  be  as  deeply  plunged  as  ever,  yet  if  it  be 
consistent  with  infinite  wisdom,  either  for  my  own  re- 


148 


JOVKNAL  OF 


[1804, 


finement,  or  if  it  may  eventually  redound  to  the  good 
of  others,  I  submit  though  tremblingly.  Lord,  look 
down  in  mercy  and  preserve  me. 

Eighteenth,  nineteenth  and  twentieth  of  eleventh 
month,  were  held  our  select,  monthly  and  general  meet- 
ings, in  all  of  which  I  was  opened  in  gospel  authority 
once  more  to  declare  the  everlasting  Truth  to  our  own 
people  at  home.  These  were  humbling  seasons  ;  may 
the  Lord  of  the  vineyard  sanctify  them  to  our  improve- 
ment. After  these  meetings  1  felt  considerably  relieved 
from  a  great  weight  and  burden,  with  which  my  spirit 
had  for  a  long  time  been  clothed.  Twenty-second,  I 
attended  the  burial  of  a  youth  belonging  to  our  meeting, 
who  deceased  after  a  very  few  hours  illness;  it  was  a 
memorable  season,  and  I  hope  will  prove  as  a  nail  fas- 
tened in  a  sure  place  to  some  then  present.  This  week 
I  also  attended  our  quarterly  meeting  at  Pineywoods ; 
the  select  meeting  was  on  sixth-day,  meeting  for  bus- 
iness on  seventh-day,  and  a  large  meeting  for  worship 
on  first-day,  all  of  which  were  seasons  of  high  favour, 
especially  the  last  two,  in  which  many  blessed  God 
for  the  renewed  offers  of  his  salvation.  Amen. 

1804.  Having  been  apprehensive  from  the  manner 
in  which  my  mind  has  been  exercised  for  several  years 
past,  and  more  especially  since  my  return  from  Europe, 
that  my  future  religious  labours  would  be  chiefly  in  the 
northern  and  eastern  parts  of  this  continent,  insomuch 
that  I  was  induced  to  believe  it  my  duty  to  resign  my- 
self up  to  the  prospect  of  removing  with  my  wife  to 
New  England,  I  accordingly  communicated  my  pros- 
pects to  our  preparative  and  monthly  meetings  in  the 
second  month  of  this  year,  and  a  committee  of  men  and 
women  friends  was  appointed  in  the  monthly  meeting 
to  take  the  matter  under  their  consideration,  and  to  vi- 


1804.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


149 


sit  us  on  the  occasion  ;  my  mind  felt  sweetly  calmed  in 
this  resignation  to  apprehended  religious  duty. 

I  attended  our  quarterly  meeting  in  the  latter  end  of 
this  month,  held  at  Little  River  in  Perquimmons,  and 
also  several  other  meetings  in  that  county,  which  were 
mostly  exercising  and  laborious,  but  on  the  whole  tend- 
ed considerably  to  the  relief  of  my  own  mind.  I  also 
attended  a  public  meeting  at  Gate's  Court  House,  ap- 
pointed by  a  friend  from  Ohio. 

Third  month  tenth,  the  committee  appointed  by  our 
last  monthly  meeting  to  enquire  into  our  circumstances, 
and  to  visit  us  on  the  subject  of  our  removal  to  New 
England,  met  at  our  house,  and  divine  Good  attending 
the  opportunity  in  a  remarkable  manner,  they  unani- 
mously concluded  that  the  movement  was  right,  and  en- 
couraged us  to  attend  to  our  prospects ;  it  was  a  water- 
ing time,  which  tended  much  to  our  strength  and  en- 
couragement. Seventh-day,  seventeenth,  at  our  month- 
ly meeting  the  committee  reported  their  care  and  sense 
respecting  our  removal,  and  having  prepared  certifi- 
cates for  us,  they  laid  them  before  the  meeting.  This 
was  also  an  affecting  time,  sundry  friends  from  other 
monthly  meetings  being  with  us,  after  a  time  of  solid 
deliberation  and  sympathy,  friends  generally  seemed 
induced  to  believe  it  their  duty  to  resign  us,  and  accord- 
ingly signed  our  certificates  with  much  unanimity  and 
great  solemnity.  After  which  my  poor  exercised  mind 
felt  humbly  thankful  in  being  enabled  once  more  thus  far 
to  make  a  full  surrender  of  myself  and  my  all  for  the 
glorious  cause  I  had  embarked  in,  and  which  at  times 
has  been  more  precious  to  me  than  my  natural  life,  or 
any  thing  I  possessed  in  this  world. 

First-day,  twenty-fifth,  at  our  meeting  I  was  favoured 
with  rather  uncommon  peace  and  tranquility  of  mind, 
N  2 


150 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1804. 


and  towards  the  latter  part  of  it,  I  had  considerable  com- 
munication 1  thought  with  a  good  degree  of  clearness, 
but  very  soon  after  meeting  a  fear  possessed  my  mind 
that  it  had  been  too  much  my  own,  or  at  least  that  not- 
withstanding the  vision  seemed  to  be  clear,  I  had  taken 
my  own  time  in  opening  it  to  others,  and  for  a  consider- 
able time  after  I  felt  miserable.  Lord,  if  it  be  thine  hand 
that  is  thus  chastening  me,  go  on,  spare  not,  nor  let 
thine  eye  pity  until  thou  hast  made  a  full  end,  and 
brought  me  into  unreserved  conformity  to  thy  own 
blessed  mind  and  will  concerning  me,  as  thou  art 
pleased  clearly  to  manifest  it  to  me  on  all  occasions, 
that  so  O  Lord,  I  may  be  preserved  watchful  and  at- 
tentive not  only  to  the  opening  of  thy  holy  visions  of 
light,  but  also  to  the  times  and  seasons,  as  thou  art  pleas- 
ed to  make  them  known  in  thy  own  blessed  power.  So, 
O  Lord,  take  unto  thee  thy  own  power,  and  rule  and 
reign  both  inwardly  and  outwardly  over  all,  who  art 
God  over  all,  blessed  forevermore.  Amen. 

Having  now  obtained  certificates  of  removal,  I  began 
to  dispose  of  my  little  outward  affairs,  in  which  I  suc- 
ceeded beyond  my  expectation  in  much  calmness  and 
resignation. 

In  the  fifth  month,  I  attended  the  yearly  meeting  in 
Virginia,  and  returned  to  my  outward  affairs  with  peace 
and  tranquility  of  mind,  and  by  the  first  of  the  sixth 
month,  I  so  far  accomplished  the  settlement  of  them, 
that  on  the  fourth,  being  the  day  appointed  for  our  de- 
parture, a  considerable  number  of  friends  and  neigh- 
bours coming  in  to  see  us  on  the  occasion,  we  had  a 
solid  religious  opportunity  together  and  then  took  our 
solemn  leave  of  them,  and  set  out  on  this  arduous  jour- 
ney. 

We  reached  Suffolk  in  two  days,  though  the  weather 


1805.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


151 


was  very  hot,  and  spent  nearly  three  weeks  about 
Western  Branch,  visiting  our  friends  and  relations,  and 
attending  several  meetings  in  the  time,  and  having 
agreed  for  a  passage  in  a  vessel  bound  for  New  York, 
we  embarked  the  twenty-fourth  of  sixth  month,  and 
landed  in  New  York  on  the  first  of  the  seventh.  The 
passage  being  tedious,  and  my  dear  female  companions 
very  sea-sick  most  of  the  time,  we  staid  in  New  York 
until  the  ninth,  when  we  again  took  passage  in  a  packet 
for  New  Haven,  where  we  arrived  the  next  day  about 
noon,  and  the  day  following  went  by  land  to  Hartford, 
the  intended  place  of  our  residence,  where  we  arrived 
the  same  day  about  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
met  a  cordial  reception  at  the  house  of  our  kind  friends 
Thomas  and  Charity  Rotch,  with  whom  we  sojourned 
about  six  weeks.  In  the  course  of  this  time  I  purchased 
a  farm  agreeably  situated  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  little  meeting  of  friends  here,  but  did  not  get  full 
possession  until  the  spring  following,  but  we  took  a 
couple  of  rooms  in  a  friend's  house  where  we  sojourn- 
ed about  seven  months. 

I  spent  most  of  the  winter  in  keeping  friends'  little 
school  here,  and  about  the  twenty-sixth  of  the  third 
month,  1 805,  we  got  to  our  new  habitation  on  the  farm  ; 
and  though  it  was  very  much  out  of  repair,  we  felt  very 
glad  and  thankful  in  being  favoured  once  more  to  settle 
down  in  a  cottage  of  our  own,  having  for  a  consider- 
able time  sojourned  from  place  to  place  as  poor  pil- 
grims, having  no  certain  dwelling  place. 

After  our  settlement  I  went  very  little  abroad  except 
to  the  monthly  meeting  of  Oblong,  and  the  quarterly 
meeting  of  Nine  Partners,  of  which  we  were  now  mem- 
bers. This  summer  I  also  attended  the  yearly  meetings 
of  New  York  and  Rhode  Island,  and  a  few  meetings  at 


152 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1806. 


New  Bedford,  Providence,  &c.  and  returned  to  my  lit- 
tle family  with  solid  peace  of  mind,  with  whom  I  think 
I  never  enjoyed  more  sweet  comfort  and  satisfaction 
than  about  these  days.  May  the  Lord  preserve  us  in 
his  love  and  fear,  and  keep  us  thankful  for  the  many  fa- 
vours which  he  hath  been  pleased  to  bestow  upon  us  in 
these  days  of  our  pilgrimage. 

I  now  felt  at  liberty  to  stay  at  home  for  some  time, 
and  attend  to  ray  domestic  affairs,  in  order  to  make  my 
family  as  comfortable  as  our  circumstances  would  ad- 
mit of,  though  constantly  attending  our  own  meetings 
both  for  worship  and  discipline,  for  we  had  now  a 
monthly  meeting  settled  at  Hartford. 

1806.  About  these  days  temptations  and  trials  seem- 
ed to  assail  me  with  redoubled  force,  so  that  I  was  al- 
most ready  to  conclude  my  best  help  had  departed  from 
me,  and  I  had  scarcely  strength  to  look  up  or  cry  for 
help  either  in  meetings  or  out  of  them,  but  verily  was 
often  afraid  that  1  should  finally  loose  my  hold  and  fall 
into  grievous  and  horrible  temptations,  and  so  become 
yet  a  reproach  to  that  blessed  cause  which  I  had  once 
so  much  loved,  and  thus  the  last  error  be  worse  than 
the  first.  But  blessed  be  the  infinitely  wise  and  merci- 
ful God,  who  was  pleased  to  regard  even  my  weak  ef- 
forts of  desire  towards  him,  and  accept  it  as  prayer; 
blessed  be  his  holy  name.  He  is  still  a  God  hearing 
prayer,  and  in  tender  mercy  is  pleased  to  accept  the 
sincerity  of  desire,  when  we  have  no  words  in  which  to 
call  upon  him ;  and  when  we  can  bear  no  more,  and  are 
brought  to  see  that  all  our  own  help  has  failed  us,  he  is 
then  pleased  to  draw  near,  and  repel  the  enemy,  and 
deliver  us  out  of  his  hand.  O,  what  shall  I  render  unto 
thee,  saith  my  soul,  who  hath  been  pleased  thus  to  draw 
near  and  deliver  me,  yea,  poor  helpless  me ! — magnified 


1807.] 


KICHARD  JORDAN. 


153 


be  thy  blessed  and  ever  adorable  name,  now,  hence- 
forth, and  forevermore ! 

I  was  mostlj  about  home  except  the  attendance  of 
our  quarterly  and  yearly  meetings,  until  the  fourth 
month,  1807,  when  1  attended  the  yearly  meeting  of 
Philadelphia,  and  several  other  meetings  in  the  city  and 
neighbourhood,  to  solid  satisfaction,  and  on  my  return 
took  the  Yearly  meeting  of  New  York  in  the  fifth 
monthj  and  so  home,  where  I  only  staid  one  week  be- 
fore I  again  set  out,  and  attended  the  yearly  meeting  of 
Rhode  Island,  and  a  few  other  meetings,  and  soon  re- 
turned home,  where  I  staid  mostly  until  the  latter  end 
of  the  ninth  month.  1  then  again  left  home  in  order  to 
attend  the  yearly  meeting  of  Baltimore  in  the  tenth 
month,  which  was  to  good  satisfaction  ;  indeed,  1  thought 
it  one  of  the  most  solid,  instructive  and  encouraging  op- 
portunities of  the  kind  I  had  ever  experienced. 

I  have  now  attended  all  the  yearly  meetings  for  dis- 
cipline in  the  world,  and  some  of  them  several  times 
over,  and  I  may  remark,  that  notwithstanding  weak- 
nesses and  imperfections  are  still  observable  amongst 
this  people,  yet  I  have  had  abundant  cause  to  marvel  at 
the  preservation  which  is  still  vouchsafed  to  them  by 
the  great  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls,  in  keeping 
them  so  near  together,  in  that  harmony  and  one- 
ness, which  ever  characterizes  his  true  followers.  May 
neither  heights  nor  depths,  principalities  nor  powers, 
things  present,  nor  yet  to  come,  nor  life  nor  death,  nor 
any  other  creature,  ever  be  able  to  separate  them  from 
this  love  of  God,  which  has  been  so  marvellously  mani- 
fested to  them  through  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  I  at- 
tended a  number  of  meetings  after  this  memorable 
yearly  meeting,  to  good  satisfaction,  and  returned  home 
with  solid  peace  of  mind. 


154 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1808-9. 


Having  had  drawings  in  my  mind  for  a  considerable 
time  to  visit  friends  in  some  parts  of  Rhode  Island  and 
Massachusetts,  I  obtained  a  minute  from  our  monthly 
meeting  for  that  purpose,  and  set  out  in  the  latter  end 
of  the  first  month,  1808.  I  was  out  in  this  little  jour- 
ney nearly  three  months,  and  in  that  time  attended 
about  sixty  meetings,  sundry  of  which  were- public 
meetings  appointed  for  those  not  in  profession  with  us, 
which  were  largely  attended  by  them,  and  generally  to 
solid  satisfaction,  insomuch  that  the  priests  at  several 
places,  as  well  as  the  people,  would  desire  another  meet- 
ing ;  but  I  dare  not  do  any  thing  of  the  kind  in  my  own 
will  ;  and  as  1  endeavoured  to  keep  near  my  good 
guide,  and  to  be  led  about  and  instructed  only  by  Him, 
I  humbly  trust  preservation  was  vouchsafed,  so  that  the 
holy  cause  of  religion  was  not  wounded,  nor  the  minds 
of  any  class  of  its  professors  hurt ;  and  I  returned  to  my 
outward  habitation  with  solid  peace  of  mind  ;  blessed 
be  the  Lord. 

I  went  very  little  from  home  this  summer,  except  in 
attending  our  quarterly  meeting  at  Nine  Partners.  In 
the  second  month,  1809,  I  was  at  the  quarterly  meet- 
ings of  Providence  and  Smithfield,  in  Rhode  Island,  and 
also  several  other  meetings  in  the  course  of  the  journey 
in  that  state,  generally  to  good  satisfaction  ;  and  in  the 
fourth  month,  having  obtained  a  minute  from  our  month- 
ly meeting  for  the  purpose,  1  attended  the  yearly  meet- 
ing of  Friends  in  Philadelphia,  and  spent  some  time  in 
that  city,  much  to  my  satisfaction.  I  also  visited  some 
parts  of  its  vicinity,  as  well  as  their  West-town  Boarding 
School,  which  appeared  to  be  in  excellent  order,  and 
attended  the  meeting  on  first-day  morning  with  the  chil- 
dren, about  two  hundred  in  number,  which  was  a  bless- 


1809.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


155 


cd heart-comforting  season;  indeed  it  was  like  a  plenti- 
ful shower  on  tender  plants,  blessed  be  the  Lord. 

I  also  took  several  meetings  in  New  Jersey,  on  my 
way  to  New  York,  where  I  attended  our  own  yearly 
meeting  in  the  fifth  month,  and  then  returned  pretty 
directly  home.  Lord,  preserve  me  here  in  my  lonely, 
pelican-like  state,  for  thy  rich  favours  I  am  not  worthy 
to  abide  under  ;  but  if  for  the  sake  of  others,  thou  art 
pleased  at  times  to  vouchsafe  them,  I  magnify  and  adore 
thy  name. 

I  went  very  little  abroad  this  summer,  except  in  the 
latter  end  of  the  eighth  month  to  our  quarterly  meeting 
at  Nine  Partners,  and  spent  about  two  weeks  in  visiting 
the  meetings  of  friends  in  that  and  Stanford  neighbour- 
hoods, to  tlic  satisfaction  of  my  own  mind,  and  1  believe 
of  friends  generally,  and  I  returned  home  with  solid 
peace.  And  now  I  may  mention  a  trying  dispensation 
which  I  have  had  to  pass  through  for  more  than  eigh- 
teen months ;  indeed  it  has  been  nearly  two  years  since 
my  mind  became  impressed  with  a  language  which  was 
intelligible  to  my  mental  ear, saying,  "  Ye  have  encom- 
passed this  mountain  long  enough and  1  said  in  my 
heart,  "  What !  must  I  break  up  again,  and  become  a 
sojourner?"  For  a  time  I  saw  not  where  I  should  go, 
and  I  said,  "  Lord !  where  shall  I  go,  and  where  shall  I 
sojourn  ?"  and  I  seemed  to  be  left  under  this  conflicting 
dispensation,  without  any  sight  or  pointing  to  any  par- 
ticular place  or  service ;  but  after  a  time  of  sore  con- 
flict, and  seeking  to  know  the  blessed  mind  and  will  of 
the  Lord  concerning  this  thing,  at  length  a  little  meeting 
of  friends  called  Newton,  in  New  Jersey,  a  branch  of 
the  monthly  meeting  of  Haddonfield,  opened  as  the 
place,  within  the  verge  of  which  I  was  to  go  and  reside 
with  my  family.    This  prospect  became  so  impressive, 


156 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1809. 


that  1  mentioned  it  in  our  meeting  at  Hartford  more 
than  a  year  since,  in  order  for  their  sympathy  and  com- 
munication, as  way  might  open.  I  had  here  a  fine  farm, 
now  in  good  order,  and  hkely  to  be  very  productive,  so 
that  we  were  comfortably  settled  as  to  the  outward. 
Ah !  Simon  son  of  Jonas,  how  didst  thou  feel,  when, 
under  the  blessing  of  lieaven,  thou  hadst  just  made  a  fine' 
draught  in  the  line  of  thy  outward  business,  and  thy 
divine  Master  queried,  "  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest 
thou  me  more  than  these  V  Yea,  when  thy  creaturely 
attachments  were  so  closely  tried,  and  brought  to  the 
test  by  His  querying  even  to  the  third  time,  respecting 
thy  preference  for  Him,  until  thou  wast  grieved,  be- 
cause thou  hadst  aforetime  professed  to  love  Him  ;  and 
yet  even  at  the  third  query,  being  sensible  of  thy  own 
weakness,  thou  seemest  almost  afraid  to  say  "  more  than 
these :"  but  He  who  loved  thee  would  prove  thy  love, 
and  therefore  did  tell  thee  plainly,  that  although  in  thy 
younger  years  thou  didst  gird  thyself,  and  wentest  whi- 
thersoever thou  wouldest,  yet  now  if  thou  "  lovest  me 
more  than  these,"  or  above  all,  so  as  to  go  and  feed  my 
sheep  and  lambs  at  my  bidding,  thou  must  submit  to  be 
girded  by  another,  even  by  me,  and  carried  where  thou 
wouldst  not,  of  thy  own  inclination,  go  ;  but  as  though 
he  had  said  for  thy  encouragement,  "  never  heed,  Si- 
mon, only  do  as  I  bid  thee  and  all  will  be  well, '  he  saith 
unto  thee,  "  follow  me." 

I  must  now  leave  this  seeming  digression,  and  men- 
tion, that  as  soon  as  I  was  fully  satisfied  in  my  own 
mind,  of  the  propriety  of  my  giving  up  to  this  prospect, 
I  requested  a  certificate  of  removal,  (which  was  some 
months  ago,)  and  having  now  obtained  one,  and  having 
also  settled  my  affairs,  so  that  none  should  suffer  by  me, 
I  took  my  solemn  leave  of  friends  and  neighbours,  and 


1809.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


15? 


left  Hartford  with  my  little  family,  about  the  eleventh 
of  the  tenth  month,  1809,  and  after  a  pleasant  journey, 
we  arrived  at  Samuel  Cooper's,  near  the  place  of  our 
intended  residence,  and  met  with  a  kind  reception  from 
that  amiable  family,  and  at  their  invitation  sojourned 
^vith  them  for  a  few  weeks,  until  our  household  goods 
arrived,  which  we  had  shipped  round  by  water,  and  we 
had  got  a  little  prepared  for  housekeeping,  which  we 
commenced  in  the  eleventh  month,  within  a  mile  of 
Newton  meeting  house. 

The  good  angel  whom  we  believe  to  have  been  with 
us  in  all  the  way,  has  still  hitherto  been  near,  comfort- 
ing our  minds  in  our  lonely  habitation,  in  our  solitary 
walks,  and  in  our  religious  meetings,  enabling  me  to 
speak  of  his  goodness  among  the  people,  which  seems 
to  have  endeared  many  of  us  one  unto  another.  And 
now,  O  Lord,  thou  hast  seen  all  our  temptation,  and 
the  anxiety  and  tribulation  of  our  souls ;  we  are  here 
under  an  apprehension  of  its  being  according  to  thy  re- 
quiring, and  in  thy  divine  appointment;  oh  Lord,  look 
down  upon  us,  and  be  near  unto  us  in  all  our  tempta- 
tions and  besetments,  in  all  our  tribulations  and  dis- 
tresses, and  in  all  our  goings  in  and  out  among  the  peo- 
ple :  Be  pleased  to  remember  us,  we  pray  thee,  as 
among  the  poor  and  dependant  ones,  that  have  daily 
need  of  thy  aid  ;  we  ask  neither  worldly  riches  nor  hon- 
our ;  give  us,  if  it  be  consistent  with  thy  good  will  and 
pleasure,  food  and  raiment  convenient  for  us,  and  be 
thou,  O  Lord,  our  strength  in  weakness,  our  riches  in 
poverty,  and  our  present  help  in  every  needful  time, 
that  so  we  may  be  enabled  to  honour  thee  in  thy  bless- 
ed cause  on  earth,  and  bring  praise  to  thy  great  name 
through  our  lives  and  in  our  death,  who  art  God  over 
all,  blessed  forever  more. 

O 


158 


JOURNAL  OF 


[1810. 


1810.  Fifth  month,  fifteenth.  I  have  had  great  satis- 
faction in  the  constant  attendance  of  our  little  meeting, 
as  well  as  in  some  visits  to  the  sick  and  afflicted,  as  also 
some  others  among  my  friends,  and  in  the  attending 
of  our  late  yearly  meeting  in  Philadelphia.  In  the  lat- 
ter part  of  the  fifth,  and  fore  part  of  the  sixth  months,  I 
attended  the  yearly  meetings  of  friends  in  New  York 
and  Rhode  Island,  and  a  few  other  meetings  in  the 
course  of  the  journey,  to  satisfaction,  which  took  up 
about  six  weeks.  I  am  now  returned  to  my  habitation 
again,  I  think  as  sensible  as  ever  of  my  entirely  depen- 
dent state.  Lord  !  keep  and  preserve  me  low,  and  in  a 
state  of  entire  dependance  on  Thee,  who  art  the  Giver 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 

In  the  tenth  month  I  attended  the  yearly  meeting  of 
Baltimore,  and  also  that  of  North  Carolina,  which  was 
held  this  year  at  Little  River,  in  Perquimmons  county. 
I  also  attended  nearly  all  the  meetings  of  friends  in 
these  lower  counties,  and  had  a  few  public  meetings; 
and  also  visited  the  place  of  my  former  residence  in 
North  Carolina,  and  sundry  of  my  near  relations  both 
in  that  state  and  Virginia.  1  was  helped  to  labour  in 
the  love  of  the  gospel  among  my  friends  and  relations 
in  this  journey,  which  I  believe  was  accepted  by  many 
of  them  as  a  renewed  visitation,  as  well  as  by  many 
others  to  whom  the  gospel  was  freely  preached,  and 
which  tended  greatly  to  the  solid  peace  and  comfort  of 
my  own  mind. 

On  my  way  homewards  1  spent  about  a  week  at  Bal- 
timore, in  which  time  I  attended  sundry  meetings  with 
friends,  and  then  returned  pretty  directly  home  to  my 
family,  where  1  found  all  well  and  comfortable,  for 
which  I  was  truly  thankful,  as  well  as  for  the  many 
favours,  preservations  and  deliverances,  through  the 


1811-4.] 


RICHARD  JORDAN. 


159 


diflicullies  and  dangers  I  had  encountered  in  the 
course  of  this  journey ;  blessed  be  the  Lord. 

1811.  I  attended  the  yearly  meetings  of  Philadel- 
phia and  New  York  to  satisfaction,  as  also  some  of  the 
neighbouring  quarterly  and  monthly  meetings  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  New  Jersey,  in  the  course  of  this  year ; 
and  having  now  lived  two  years  in  a  hired  house,  I 
purchased  a  small  house  and  lot  near  our  Newton  meet- 
ing house,  to  which  we  removed  in  the  spring  of  1812 ; 
and  for  some  time  after  our  removal  I  went  not  much 
abroad,  except  to  attend  the  yearly  meetings  of  New 
York  and  Baltimore,  until  the  beginning  of  the  year 
1813,  when,  with  the  concurrence  of  friends,  I  visited 
the  meetings  along  the  sea  coast  in  this  state.  Although 
sensible  that  the  seed  of  life  lay  low  in  many  places 
where  my  lot  was  cast,  yet  as  I  endeavoured  to  keep 
low,  and  dwell  with  it,  I  was  enabled  to  labour  in  the 
love  of  the  gospel,  and  at  times  to  experience  the  aris- 
ing and  prevalency  of  it  over  all,  to  our  comfort  and  re- 
joicing. I  was  favoured  to  return  to  my  family  in  peace, 
after  being  out  about  five  weeks,  in  which  time  I  tra- 
velled between  four  and  five  hundred  miles,  and  attend- 
ed about  twenty-three  meetings  with  friends  and  others, 
to  satisfaction ;  blessed  be  the  Lord,  our  alone  helper 
and  preserver. 

1814.  In  the  winter  of  1814,  I  spent  a  little  time  in 
visiting  the  meetings  of  friends  in  Philadelphia,  to  good 
satisfaction,  and  on  my  return,  my  dear  wife  was  seized 
with  a  malignant  typhus  fever,  and  was  brought  nigh 
unto  death ;  but  the  Lord  had  mercy  on  us,  and  raised 
her  up  again,  after  a  confinement  of  more  than  three 
months ;  for  which  favour  I  was  truly  thankful,  as  the 
loss  to  me  would  have  been  inexpressibly  great,  aU 
though  I  was  well  convinced  that  my  loss  would  have 


160 


JOUKNAL  OF 


[1815-lG 


been  her  unspeakable  gain ;  as  her  innocent  soul  through 
all  her  bodily  sufferings,  seemed  centered  in  a  state  of 
calm,  quiet  resignation  to  the  divine  will.  1  was  also 
thankful  for  the  preservation  of  my  bodily  health,  so  as 
to  be  able  constantly  to  attend  upon  her  through  the 
whole  :  may  all  these  favours  be  remembered  by  us 
with  heart-felt  gratitude.  By  the  time  of  our  yearly 
meeting  in  the  fourth  month,  1815,  my  dear  wife  was 
so  far  recovered  that  T  attended  it. 

I  also  attended  the  yearly  meeting  of  New  York  in 
fifth  month,  and  returned  directly  home ;  and  in  the 
tenth  month  following,  1  attended  the  yearly  meeting  of 
Baltimore,  much  to  the  salisfaction  of  my  own  mind, 
and  returned  pretty  directly  home  to  my  domestic 
affairs,  where  I  enjoj'ed  my  health  quite  as  well  as  usual 
until  about  the  first  of  the  second  month,  1816,  when  I 
was  seized  with  the  ague,  which  operated  violently 
upon  me,  about  once  in  twenty-four  hours,  for  several 
days,  and  my  health  was  so  affected  by  it,  that  1  was 
mostly  confined  in  and  about  the  house  for  several 
weeks,  in  a  very  weak  state.  But  are  not  these  dispen- 
sations of  mercy,  from  Him  who  afflicts  not  willingly, 
neither  delights  in  grieving  his  children?  Afflictions 
are  said  not  to  arise  out  of  the  dust,  nor  troubles  out  of 
the  ground,  and  as  He  who  is  the  great  Controller  of 
events,  can  sanctify  all  our  troubles  and  afflictions  to 
us,  and  make  them  subservient  to  his  own  wise  purposes, 
may  I  improve  under  every  afflictive  dispensation  which 
is  permitted  to  befal  me  ;  may  they  all  be  sanctified  to 
my  good,  and  may  He  make  them  all  subservient  to  his 
own  wise  purposes,  that  I  may  acknowledge  him  in  all 
my  ways,  and  know  Him  to  direct  my  paths ;  even  so. 
Amen. 


1818-23.] 


RICHAKD  JORDAN. 


161 


1818.  Since  the  latter  end  of  the  year  1815,  I  have 
not  been  out  on  any  considerable  journey,  but  have  ap- 
prehended that  my  business  was  much  about  home  in 
the  attendance  of  our  own  meetings  as  they  came  in 
course  ;  yet  not  unfrequently  I  went  to  some  of  the 
neighbouring  quarterly  and  monthly  meetings,  and  also 
attended  our  meeting  for  suflTerings  in  Philadelphia. 
Being  now  in  the  sixth-third  year  of  my  age,  my  pros- 
pects seem  much  closed  as  respects  long  journeys,  feel- 
ing an  increase  of  the  infirmities  attendant  on  advanced 
years,  though  blessed  be  my  gracious  Helper  I  enjoy  a 
good  share  of  health  and  strength  at  present,  consider- 
ing my  time  of  life  ;  yet  the  prayer  of  David  seems  pre- 
valent, "Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age,  forsake 
me  not  when  my  strength  faileth." 

1821.  Seventh  month.  I  have  now  been  for  most  of 
two  years,  afflicted  with  a  complaint  in  my  chest,  which 
has  rendered  me  unfit  for  much  service ;  yet  I  have 
been  enabled  to  visit  sundry  neighbouring  quarterly 
meetings,  and  to  attend  our  yearly  meeting,  as  also  our 
own  monthly  and  particular  meetings,  in  which  at  times 
living  desires  are  raised,  that  after  the  example  of  good 
old  Simeon,  I  may  be  found  "waiting  for  the  consola- 
tion of  Israel." 

1823.  Eighth  month.  My  mind  has  long  been  bur- 
dened with  hearing  assertions  made  that  every  child 
coming  into  the  world  is  placed  precisely  in  the  same 
situation  as  Adam  was  when  in  Paradise,  or  as  he  came 
out  of  the  hands  of  his  Maker,  and  speaking  slightly  of 
the  atonement  of  Christ,  bringing  down  that  blessed  suf- 
fering Saviour  and  Redeemer  of  men  to  the  level  of  other 
good  persons  in  common.  Well  would  it  be  for  such, 
in  my  apprehension,  if  they  would  seriously  consider 
the  import  of  a  part  of  the  apostle's  comment  on  the  law 
O  2 


162 


JOUBTfAL  OF 


[1825. 


of  Moses;  viz:  "  He  that  despised  Moses's  law  died 
without  mercy  under  two  or  three  witnesses;  of  how 
much  sorer  punishment,  suppose  ye,  shall  he  be  thought 
worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of  God, 
and  hath  counted  the  blood  of  the  covenant  wherewith 
he  was  sanctified,  an  unholy  thing,  and  hath  done  des- 
pite unto  the  spirit  of  grace  ;  for  we  know  Him  that 
hath  said,  vengeance  belongeth  unto  me  I  will  recom- 
pense, saith  the  Lord  ;  and  again,  the  Lord  shall  judge 
his  people  :  it  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  living  God."  I  am  sometimes  ready  to  tremble 
at  beholding  the  signs  of  the  times,  as  relates  both  to 
church  and  state,  and  I  think  I  never  saw  with  greater 
clearness  the  necessity  of  being  diligently  engaged  to 
feel  after  a  foundation  in  ourselves,  if  happily  we  may 
be  favoured,  at  least  at  times,  with  a  comfortable  evi- 
dence that  it  is  the  sure  one,  on  which  alone  there  is 
safety  and  preservation  ;  and  the  awfulness  of  feeling 
which  sometimes  covers  my  mind,  seems  to  produce  a 
solicitude  at  least,  if  not  something  like  a  prayer,  for 
myself  and  for  those  of  my  friends  whose  situation  may 
somewhat  resemble  that  of  those  who  wept  as  between 
the  porch  and  the  altar;  "Lord  increase  our  faith." 

1825.  Having  now  for  several  years  been  very 
much  indisposed  in  my  bodily  health,  1  have  not  been  out 
on  any  long  journey,  though  mostly  able  to  attend  our 
own  yearly  and  other  meetings,  and  a  few  neighbour- 
ing quarterly  meetings,  as  also  a  yearly  meeting  or  two, 
until  last  summer  and  fall,  when  I  got  very  little  out,  but 
was  favoured  so  far  to  recover  my  health  as  mostly  to 
get  to  our  own  meetings,  as  they  came  in  course,  during 
the  past  winter. 

And  now  what  shall  I  say  more. — The  Lord  has 
been  pleased  in  the  inscrutable  counsel  of  his  will,  to 


1826.] 


HICHARD  JORDAN. 


163 


take  from  me  my  dear  partner,  who  ended  her  useful 
life  in  this  world  on  the  morning  of  the  second  of  third 
month  last,  almost  without  sickness  or  pain,  in  the 
seventy-third  year  of  her  age ;  being  as  well  as  usual 
the  day  before,  and  engaged  in  her  domestic  concerns. 
We  had  sojourned  together  for  most  of  half  a  century, 
and  I  could  say  much  of  her  virtues,  not  only  as  a  faith- 
ful helpmeet  in  our  outward  concerns,  but  in  always 
giving  me  up  cheerfully  to  the  service  of  Truth,  and 
sustaining  my  absence  with  Christian  magnanimity,  and 
sympathy  with  me  in  my  labours  and  travels  in  the 
cause  of  Truth  and  righteousness,  and  a  consoling  evi- 
dence attends  her  departure,  that  she  has  sweetly  fallen 
asleep  in  Jesus ;  and  therefore  though  I  sorrow,  yet 
not  as  those  who  have  no  hope ;  for  surely  I  am  one  in 
faith  with  the  apostles  of  our  Lord,  that  "  them  that 
sleep  in  Jesus,  will  God  bring  with  him."  And  now, 
O  Lord,  thou  hast  taken  the  mother  with  the  chil- 
dren, and  left  me  behind  a  little  space  longer  in  this 
stale  of  probation,  for  causes  known  only  to  thyself; 
for  thou  art  not  bound  to  give  account  of  thy  matters 
to  any ;  it  is  enough  for  us  to  know  that  thou  doest  all 
things  right;  and  will  do  for  us  more  than  we  can  ask 
or  think.  But  because  thou  art  a  God  hearing  prayer, 
be  pleased  O  Lord  to  be  near  by  thy  secret  power  and 
keep  and  preserve  me  during  the  short  remainder  of 
my  time  in  this  world,  so  that  1  may  be  enabled  to 
finish  the  good  fight,  and  keep  the  faith  of  thy  beloved 
Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Redeemer  and  Saviour,  and 
so  finish  my  course  with  joy ;  for  thou,  O  Lord,  art 
faithful  who  hast  promised  a  crown  of  righteousness. 
Amen. 


164 


ADDENDA. 


[1826. 


ADDENDA. 


After  the  decease  of  his  dear  wife,  our  beloved 
friend  seemed  to  pass  the  remainder  of  his  days,  as  a 
servant  waiting  for  the  coming  of  his  Lord,  having  a 
clear  foresight  that  his  earthly  pilgrimage  was  nearly 
accomplished,  and  several  times  spoke  of  his  decease  as 
being  at  hand.  He  attended  the  yearly  meeting  of  New 
York  in  1826,  and  shortly  after,  in  the  seventh  month, 
was  at  three  of  the  monthly  meetings  in  Philadelphia, 
and  spent  some  time  in  visiting  his  friends  there,  much 
to  the  peace  of  his  own  mind,  remarking,  when  about 
to  return  home,  that  if  it  proved  his  last  visit  he  should 
be  well  satisfied  with  it. 

In  the  eighth  month  he  attended  the  quarterly  meet- 
ings of  Abington,  and  Salem  held  at  Woodbury.  On 
his  way  home  from  the  latter,  his  mind  was  much  en- 
gaged in  contemplating  the  present  situation  of  the 
Society  of  Friends,  lamenting  with  much  feeling,  the 
deviations  from  simplicity  and  plainness  which  were 
conspicuous  in  many  of  the  members,  the  avidity  with 
which  they  pursued  the  pleasures  and  riches  of  the 
world,  and  the  apparent  want  of  religious  concern 
on  their  own.account,  and  for  the  welfare  of  the  church. 
Much  labour,  he  remarked,  had  been  bestowed  upon 
them;  spiritual  and  temporal  blessings  had  been  dispens- 
ed with  a  liberal  hand,  and  yet  disobedience  and  ingra- 


1826.] 


ADDENDA. 


165 


titude  had  been  too  generally  returned  for  all  these  fa- 
vours ;  and  he  feared  lest  those  who  might  be  consider- 
ed as  the  children  of  the  kingdom,  if  they  persisted  in 
this  course,  would  be  cast  out,  and  others  raised  up, 
as  from  the  stones  of  the  streets,  to  support  the  doc- 
trines and  testimonies  given  to  friends  to  bear.  He 
however  expressed,  that  gloomy  as  the  prospect  of 
a  succession  of  upright  standard  bearers  seemed,  he 
had  faith  to  believe,  that  those  doctrines  and  testi- 
monies never  would  fall  to  the  ground,  and  although 
many  were  predicting  that  the  present  commotions 
within  our  borders  would  disorganize  the  Society,  yet 
this  would  not  be  the  case,  but  those  who  continued  to 
maintain  the  ancient  faith  and  discipline  of  Friends, 
would  be  preserved  as  a  distinct  body  of  Christian  pro- 
fessors. 

On  parting  with  the  friend  who  accompanied  him, 
he  alluded  to  his  late  visit  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
and  after  expressing  the  great  peace  he  felt  in  recurring 
to  it,  observed  that  it  would  be  his  last  visit.  The 
friend  expressed  his  earnest  desire  that  the  solemn  pre- 
sentiment might  not  be  realised,  and  remarked,  how 
much  he  would  be  missed  at  the  present  time  of  trial ; 
to  which  Richard  Jordan  replied,  "  Yes,  but  you  must 
part  from  me  at  some  time,  and  perhaps  it  will  be  as 
easy  now  as  ever,"  repeating  the  assurance  that  it  would 
be  his  final  visit.  This  was  on  fifth-day  afternoon  the 
eleventh  of  eighth  month,  and  on  the  following  day  he 
was  taken  sick.  After  this  he  attended  meeting  but  a 
few  times,  being  mostly  confined  to  the  house  or  bed, 
except  occasionally  riding  out  for  a  change  of  air  and 
exercise. 

His  last  illness  was  tedious,  continuing  for  more  than 
two  months,  and  while  the  gradual  decay  of  his  bodily 


166 


ADDENDA. 


[1826. 


powers  was  apparent,  the  strength  and  vigour  of  his 
mind  seemed  to  remain  unimpaired  ahnost  to  the  close. 
He  did  not  appear  disposed  to  converse  much  on  or- 

I  dinary  topics  or  temporal  affairs,  but  at  times  made 

many  instructive  remarks  upon  religious  subjects.  He 
mourned  over  the  desolating  effects  of  the  spirit  of  un- 
belief, which,  under  the  plausible  but  false  pretext  of 
exalting  the  "light  within,"  was  leading  many  incau- 
tious minds  into  a  denial  of  the  saving  truths  of  Chris- 
tian Redemption,  and  a  disregard  of  the  plain  and  irre- 
fragable testimonies  contained  in  the  sacred  volume, 
declaring,  as  his  full  belief,  that  all  those  who  were 
really  led  by  the  spirit  of  Christ,  would  feel  themselves 
constrained  reverently  to  believe  in,  and  to  acknow- 
ledge all  that  is  recorded  in  the  holy  scriptures,  con- 
cerning the  coming  and  sufferings,  the  death  and  offices, 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  as  he  appeared 
in  the  flesh  at  Jerusalem. 

He  several  times  mentioned  his  firm  conviction  at 
that  solemn  period,  that  painful  as  is  the  present  state 
of  things  amongst  us,  to  the  true  disciples  of  the  Lamb, 
it  would  be  made  the  means  of  purifying  the  society  of 
much  of  its  dross ;  that  such  as  stood  faithful  in  their  al- 
legiance to  Christ,  would  be  deepened  by  it  in  the  life 
of  religion,  and  some  of  them  would  live  to  see  the  so- 
ciety in  a  far  better  state  than  it  now  is.  He  had  seen, 
he  said,  that  the  Lord  would  take  the  cause  into  his 
own  hand,  and  none  should  be  able  to  hinder  him — - 

l|  that  he  would  choose  his  own  instruments,  and  those  of 
this  society  who  had  been  highly  favoured,  but  who 
had  turned  their  backs  and  forsaken  Him,  would  be  cast 
out,  and  others  brought  in  who  would  stand  for  the 
honour  of  His  great  name  and  for  His  cause  in  the 
earth. 


,1 


1826.] 


ADDENDA. 


167 


On  the  sixteenth  of  the  ninth  month,  a  friend  calhng 
to  see  him,  he  made  some  observations  on  the  nature 
of  his  disease,  and  intimated  that  he  thought  his  re- 
covery doubtful,  considering  his  advanced  age  and  the 
great  prostration  of  his  strength  ;  but  he  several  times 
remarked  that  he  had  no  will  but  the  Lord's  will. 
"  Yet,"  added  he,  "T  have  lived  to  see  the  end  of  one 
"revolution,  (meaning,  as  he  himself  explained  it,  in 
^he  Society  of  Friends  in  Ireland,  during  his  visit  there,) 
"and  if  it  was  the  Lord's  will,  I  should  have  no  objec- 
"  tion  to  see  the  end  of  the  troubles  that  have  come  over 
"the  society  in  this  land."  With  much  feeling  and 
deep  sorrow  he  then  expressed  his  concern  for  those 
under  the  name  of  Quakers,  who,  by  giving  way  to  their 
creaturely  wisdom  and  carnal  reasoning,  have  departed 
from  the  Christian  faith,  the  principles  and  doctrines  of 
the  religious  Society  of  Friends.  With  much  emphasis, 
he  said,  "  Oh,  what  will  those  men  do  that  deny  the 
"divinity  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  ?  What 
"  refuge  will  they  have  at  such  at  time  as  this,  on  a  sick- 
"  bed — Oh,  what  will  become  of  them  !"  Once  he  said 
"  I  would  not  be  in  their  state  for  any  thing  in  the 
"  world." 

He  intimated,  that  during  this  sickness  he  had  had 
great  opportunity  for  reflection,  both  by  day  and  by 
night,  and  he  had  thought  much  upon  the  awful  state  of 
those  people  that  deny  the  Lord,  and  the  only  hope  of 
salvation — "  which,  added  he,  is  by  the  mercy  of  God, 
through  the  merits  and  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 
Then  with  much  emphasis  exclaimed,  "My  hope,  my 
"only  hope  for  salvation  is  in  the  mercy  of  God, 
"  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ."  These,  or  words 
nearly  like  them,  he  repeated  several  times  during  the 
conversation.    He  commented  very  instructively  on  the 


168 


ADDENDA. 


[1826- 


ground  of  this  his  hope,  and  the  great  stay  and  consola- 
tion it  was  to  his  mind.  "Oh,"  said  he,  "I  would 
"  not  give  this  hope  in  the  mercy  of  God,  through  Jesus 
"  Christ,  for  the  whole  world."  He  then  proceeded  to 
relate  that  during  his  illness,  many  scriptnre  passages 
hoth  in  the  old  and  new  testament,  had  been  unfolded 
to  his  mind  with  great  clearness  and  comfort,  respect- 
ing the  plan  devised  by  Divine  Love  for  the  restoration 
of  poor  fallen  man,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners. 

After  setting  forth  the  fall  of  man  through  the  tempta- 
tion and  subtlety  of  Satan,  and  his  aspiring  above  the 
condition  allotted  him  by  his  beneficent  Creator,  he 
proceeded  to  open  some  of  those  passages,  beginning 
with  the  promise  of  the  Seed  of  the  woman  that  should 
bruise  the  serpent's  head,  Genesis,  iii.  15. — adducing 
many  other  scripture  testimonies,  which  show  that  this 
Seed  is  Christ,  even  He  who  died  for  our  sins  on  the 
cross,  and  who  is  a  propitiatory  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of 
the  whole  world,  an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  and 
Mediator  between  God  and  man.  He  enlarged  upon 
what  faith  in  God,  and  in  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  had  done  in  every  generation,  and  then  empha- 
tically said,  "  this  is  also  my  faith,  and  I  shall  die  in  it 
as  I  have  lived,  hoping  in  God's  mercy  through  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  He  made  many  other 
remarks  at  the  same  time,  that  evinced  his  deep  solici- 
tude on  account  of  the  spirit  of  infidelity  which  has 
crept  in  amongst  us,  tracing  its  origin  to  the  pride  of 
the  human  heart. 

On  second-day,  the  eighteenth  of  the  month,  a  friend 
being  with  him,  he  made  some  instructive  observations 
on  the  present  situation  of  the  society,  and  with  much 
tenderness  of  feeling  mourned  over  the  young  and  inex- 
perienced, who  were  deluded  by  the  fair  pretences  of 


1826.] 


ADOENDA. 


169 


some  who  were  considered  leaders  of  the  people,  and 
whom  they  had  been  accustomed  to  look  up  to  as  ex- 
amples and  instructors  in  the  church;  while  these  were 
taking  advantage  of  the  influence  they  had  obtained,  to 
inculcate  pernicious  principles,  and  infuse  into  their  un- 
suspecting minds  the  poison  of  unbelief.  For  these  un- 
wary youth,  thus  exposed  to  the  artifices  of  designing 
men,  he  manifested  tender  commiseration  and  sym- 
pathy. But  he  said  he  believed  the  time  was  coming, 
and  perhaps  was  not  far  distant,  when  these  false  teach- 
ers would  be  fully  exposed. 

There  were  many,  he  remarked,  who  went  under  the 
name  of  Friends,  that  had  never  been  convinced  of,  nor 
yielded  obedience  to,  the  principles  and  doctrines  of 
the  society,  but  had  made  a  mere  empty  profession  ;  and 
it  was  no  marvel  if  such  as  these  were  carried  off  with 
tlie  unsound  notions  which  were  now  promulgated. 
He  believed  it  had  been  permitted,  in  order  to  manifest 
such  as  these — as  a  society  we  were  very  impure  and 
needed  much  sifting  to  make  us  as  we  should  be.  But 
he  was  firm  in  the  faith  that  the  ancient  doctrines  and 
principles  of  the  society,  as  set  forth  in  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, must  and  would  prevail  over  all  opposition — that 
all  those  who  were  building  on  Jesus  Christ,  would  be 
preserved  amid  all  the  storms  and  commotions  which 
now  agitate  the  society,  and  that  it  would  yet  arise  and 
shine  in  more  of  its  ancient  beauty,  than  many  now 
living  have  ever  seen  it,  adding,  "  I  may  not  live  to  see 
it,  but  there  are  some  of  you  that  will." 

He  expressed  much  more  during  the  course  of  this 
interesting  conversation,  not  only  manifesting  the 
calm  and  confiding  state  of  his  mind  and  his  unshaken 
faith  in  the  Rock  of  Ages  on  which  he  had  built,  but 
also  his  full  conviction  that  the  Christian  faith  of 
P 


170 


ADDENDA. 


[1826. 


the  Society  of  Friends  would  eventually  triumph,  and 
that  after  the  necessary  conflict  and  suffering  were  en- 
dured, to  purify  it  from  such  nominal  professors  as  hold 
the  truth  in  unrighteousness  and  bring  reproach  upon 
the  name  of  Christ  by  their  unholy  conduct  and  un- 
christian opinions,  the  society  would  be  enabled  to  rise 
superior  to  its  present  difficulties,  and  with  renewed 
brightness  hold  up  the  light  of  a  Christian  conduct,  con- 
versation, and  profession  to  the  world.  Great  was  the 
anxiety  he  evinced,  that  the  friends  of  Christ  and  his 
holy  cause  might  stand  firm  in  a  patient,  persevering 
testimony  against  every  innovation  whether  in  doctrine 
or  discipline,  and  by  the  steadfastness  of  their  faith,  the 
purity  of  their  hves,  and  the  meekness  and  humility  of 
their  spirits,  evince  that  while  they  dared  not  strive  to 
carry  party  views  and  schemes,  they  felt  themselves 
constrained  by  a  sense  of  religious  duty,  earnestly  to 
contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints. 

A  meeting  having  been  appointed  near  his  residence, 
by  a  person  who  held  and  promulgated  the  new  notions, 
he  appeared  under  much  exercise  of  mind  respecting 
it,  and  greatly  concerned  at  the  sorrowful  consequences 
which  resulted  from  the  dissemination  of  these  unsound 
views,  and  with  great  earnestness  asked  a  friend  who 
sat  by  him,  "  can  nothing  be  done  to  prevent  these  per- 
sons from  going  about  sowing  their  pernicious  princi- 
ples." 

To  a  friend  who  called  to  see  him,  he  observed,  "  it 
is  a  satisfaction  to  reflect,  that  my  outward  concerns 
are  all  settled  after  a  solemn  pause,  he  added,  "  I 
know  that  I  am  a  poor  creature,  and  have  nothing  to 
depend  on  but  the  mercy  of  a  gracious  God,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord  :  Oh !  these  poor  things  that  are 
trying  to  do  away  all  belief  in  the  authenticity  of  the 


1826.] 


ADDENDA. 


171 


scriptures  and  in  a  Saviour,  what  will  become  of  them  ? 
No  other  foundation  can  any  man  lay  than  that  which 
is  laid."  In  the  conversation  with  this  friend  he  ob- 
served, that  his  day's  work  was  accomplished ;  to  ano- 
ther of  his  friends,  lhat  he  did  not  feel  as  though  he  had 
much  more  to  say,  but  was  labouring  after  true  stillness 
and  patience,  to  be  gathered  to  the  Sourceof  all  good;  and 
throughout  the  whole  course  of  his  illness,  it  was  obvi- 
ous that  his  mind  was  often  engaged  in  deep,  inward, 
awful  retirement,  and  waiting  on  the  Lord. 

The  disease  gradually  made  its  progress,  and  though 
the  symptoms  attending  it  were  not  very  alarming,  yet 
he  seemed  impressed  with  the  belief  that  he  should  not 
survive  it.  When  his  friends  would  express  their  hopes 
of  his  recovery,  though  he  seemed  unwilling  to  give  them 
pain  by  positively  saying  he  should  not,  yet  his  replies 
generally  evinced  that  he  had  no  prospect  of  it.  Once 
he  said,  his  friends  must  exercise  a  patient  hope,  he  had 
not  seen  that  he  should  get  well.  At  times  his  bodily 
suflferings  were  very  great,  but  he  was  preserved  in 
much  patience  and  resignation  to  the  Lord's  will,  often 
ejaculating  with  earnestness,  "  O  blessed  Saviour,  O 
Lord  Jesus,  help  me  !"  showing  that  his  dependence 
was  placed  on  the  Physician  of  value. 

A  few  days  before  his  decease,  he  remarked  to  a  friend 
who  was  with  him,  "  the  crisis  has  not  been  shown  me, 
when  I  shall  be  taken — but  from  the  way  1  feel,  it  seems 
as  if  it  could  not  be  much  longer," — the  friend  reply- 
ing, "  then  thou  dost  not  think  thou  wilt  recover" — he 
answered,  "  I  leave  it  all  to  Him  who  knows  how  to 
order  all  things  for  the  best ;  I  have  no  desire  but  that 
His  blessed  will  may  be  done." 

On  sixth-day  night,  the  thirteenth  of  tenth  month,  he 
became  much  worse — his  strength  was  fast  failing,  and 


172 


ADDENDA. 


[1826. 


the  power  of  articulation  almost  gone — and  about  three 
o'clock  on  the  following  morning,  the  near  approach  of 
death  was  apparent.  He  was  in  great  suffering  for  a 
few  hours,  but  about  ten  in  the  morning,  the  conflict 
seemed  over,  and  exhausted  nature  ready  to  sink  away: 
he  said  nothing  during  this  time,  except  ejaculating 
•with  uplii'ted  hands,  "  O  Lord,"  which  were  his  last 
words.  He  breathed  shorter  and  shorter,  until  about  a 
quarter  after  eleven,  when  his  puriiied  spirit  quietly 
departed  to  the  mansions  of  eternal  glory. 

His  remains  w^ere  interred  in  Friends'  burial  ground 
at  Newton,  on  second-day,  the  sixteenth  of  tenth  month, 
1826,  after  which  a  large  and  solemn  meeting  was  held. 


THE  END. 


V 


